§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place a copy of the special study on the privatisation of support services for British forces in Germany in the Library.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe report is a classified document which is commercially sensitive and is, in any case, still under consideration. I will, however, arrange for the hon. Member to receive a copy of the consultative document which has been issued to work force representatives.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the special study examining the scope for extending the use of contractors to provide support services for the British forces in Germany has been completed and recommendations submitted to the Commander-in-Chief; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. SainsburyA study into the scope for extending the use of contractors to provide supporting services to the British forces in Germany was completed in 1986. The study examined the factors surrounding the application of competitive tendering in the theatre, and put forward a strategy for efficiency and competition aimed at securing better value for money, including the formation of a joint efficiency team reporting to the Commanders-in-Chief Committee (Germany). Representatives of the civilian work force have been consulted and their views will be taken into account in reaching decisions on the implementation of the study's recommendations.