§ Mr. Maplesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what decision he has reached on the future of the pensions work carried out for the Overseas Development Administration by the Crown Agents pensions division in East Kilbride.
§ Mr. RaisonI have concluded from a careful study of the issues that this work should be absorbed into the ODA. I believe that we shall achieve the best value for money in handling this substantial but shrinking block of work if we combine the routine administration at present carried out by the Crown Agents with the policy and other work which must remain with the ODA. I have also borne in mind our commitment to maintain a strong ODA presence in East Kilbride. It remains our objective to privatise the main part of the Crown Agents.