§ Mr. BoyesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies and reports have been and are being undertaken by his Department into the operation of the Property Services Agency from 1979 up to the latest date available.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is not the practice of the Ministry of Defence to conduct studies into the working of another Department. The Property Services Agency is required to examine its own operational efficiency. However, a number of initiatives have been taken jointly by MOD, PSA and central Departments to improve the effectiveness of the PSA's defence works and estate management. For example, in 1980 a review under Sir Derek Rayner studied the economy with which new building works were carried out and more recently the National Audit Office studied the control and management of the defence estate. These reports recommended further work which is being carried out jointly by MOD and PSA.