§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many premises he now has occupied by International Military Services; what is the total of staff employed; and if he receives commission on armaments sold which exceeds his expediture;
(2) when the lease for 35 Great Smith street, London S.W.1, to house International Military Services, was purchased; what is its cost annually; when the lease is due to expire; if the building is still being used by his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieInternational Military Services Ltd. presently occupies two premises; its head office at 4 Abbey Orchard street, London, SW1P 2JJ, and nearby offices at 35 Great Smith street. As part of an overhead reduction programme earlier this year, the company's staff was reduced to its present level of 189. The company is now in the process of vacating the Great Smith street premises and accommodating all its staff at 4 Abbey Orchard street with significant cost and operational advantages.
By the end of this year, the Great Smith street premises will be available to re-let and discussions are already taking place with several potential new tenants. It would not be appropriate to disclose IMS's financial commitments under the head lease which it took on in 1981 for a period of 25 years.
IMS is charged with making a profit on its operations which accrue to its shareholder — the Ministry of Defence.