§ Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current salary of the chief executive of the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation at Gosport; and what it will be from 1 April. [12525]
§ Mr. Arbuthnot[holding answer 30 January 1996]: The current salary of chief executive is that of a Royal Navy captain in the range £47,000 to £57,700.
The Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation defence agency's triennial review has now been completed and has confirmed that the NARO should continue as a defence agency for a further term of three years with effect from 1 April 1996. The evaluation study into the performance of the agency during its first three years—a copy of the executive summary of which has been placed in the Library of the House—reported that the agency was competently meeting its objectives and satisfying its customers but would benefit from the introduction of best management practices from the private sector. A new chief executive will, accordingly, be recruited through open competition to take up appointment in April 1996, or as soon thereafter as possible. He/she will be required to introduce a challenging programme of efficiencies within NARO and to explore the scope for greater private sector involvement in helicopter repair. The details of this new post, including remuneration, have yet to be finalised.
A revised framework document is in preparation and will be completed once the new chief executive is in post and the necessary delegation have been approved. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House at that time.