§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the functions and (b) the staff which he intends to transfer to the new facilities at Abbey wood, Bristol. [20801]
§ Mr. FreemanThe function to be transferred is defence equipment procurement and related policy support which is undertaken by the Department's Procurement Executive. Current plans envisage transferring some 4,300 PE civilian and military posts together with a further 600 PE-related project support and integrated logistics specialist personnel. Of the total PE strength, some 500 administrative or secretarial staff will be recruited locally with the balance transferring from existing locations. Consideration is being given to accommodating additional staff at Abbey wood to allow further rationalisation of MOD property holdings.
§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out(a) the original completion date, (b) the current completion date, (c) the confirmed cost and (d) the expected cost for the construction of Abbey wood, Bristol. [20802]
§ Mr. FreemanThe original completion date including occupation of Abbey wood by the Procurement Executive headquarters staff was autumn 1996. The current completion date is 31 October 1996. The approved and estimated cost of the development is £254.136 million—inclusive of VAT—at 1993 prices. The project remains within budget.