§ Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider the extention of the consultation period of the Cavanagh report on the CERN ranges.
§ Mr. ButlerThe trade unions have been given a little over two months in which to comment on our consultative document on this report which I believe to be adequate.
§ Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Defence what savings his Department expects to make with the contracting out of the work of the Royal Aircraft Establishment ranges.
§ Mr. ButlerI assume the hon. Gentleman is referring to certain recommendations in the Cavanagh report on CERN ranges. No estimates of savings from further contractorisation are available. The report in question recommended that there should be an examination of the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of such a course as well as making recommendations on the management, organisation and loading of the ranges and it is currently the subject of consultation with the trades unions. Only when this process is complete will it be possible to decide whether or not to go ahead with the recommended examination.