§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Meteorological Office is being examined as a candidate for privatisation.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleIn line with Government policy on "next steps", the option of privatisation was considered before the Meteorological Office was established as an agency. It is the intention, as with other parts of the defence support area, to extend the market testing of Meteorological Office support services. There are no current plans to privatise the office.
§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the 1991–92 annual budget for the Meterological Office; and what is the percentage allocated to staff costs.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThis is a matter for the Meteorological Office, under its framework document. have therefore asked the chief executive of the Meteorological Office, Dr. J. T. Houghton, to reply direct to the hon. Member.