HC Deb 02 March 1984 vol 55 cc348-9W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the level of security clearance given to Mr. Peter Levene in order to undertake his task as personal adviser.

Mr. Heseltine

Mr. Levene has been positively vetted.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his Department's establishments visited by Mr. Peter Levene or proposed to be visited by him during his period as personal adviser.

Mr. Heseltine

Mr. Levene has visited the following establishments:

  • Chief Executive Dockyards HQ, Bath
  • HM Naval Base, Devonport
  • HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
  • HM Naval Base, Rosyth
  • Clyde Submarine Base
  • Supply Control Centre, RAF Hendon

Other visits may be made if required by Mr. Levene's work.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Mr. Peter Levene will be visiting British Shipbuilders in his role as his personal adviser; and if the report of his visit will be published.

Mr. Heseltine

Mr. Levene has at present no plans to visit any British Shipbuilders' facility, but he would not be precluded from approaching it or any other company if this were necessary in the course of his work in the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to review his report from Mr. Peter Levene, chairman of United Scientific Holdings, of his look at dockyard management structure and organisation; and if he will publish the report.

Mr. Heseltine

Mr. Levene has not yet completed his examination of the dockyards, but I expect him to advise me in the near future. Any proposals about the dockyards which follow from Mr. Levene's work will be the subject of consultation through the normal departmental procedures.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will publish the advice given to him by Mr. Peter Levene on his proposals to privatise the royal ordnance factories; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Heseltine

I have not asked for Mr. Levene's advice on this subject and none has been offered.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the areas of his Department which he has asked Mr. Peter Levene chairman of United Scientific Holdings, to review.

Mr. Heseltine

Mr. Levene has an interest in advising me on any matters which relate to the efficient management of the Ministry of Defence. I have asked for Mr. Levene's advice specifically on the royal dockyards, and on other issues in the logistics and support field. I shall seek his views on other matters where appropriate.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in what way the chairman of United Scientific Holdings will make his general advice to him known; and whether it will be published in open government documents

Mr. Heseltine

Mr. Levene is my personal adviser and as such he has direct and regular access to me. His advice is tendered on a personal basis; I should consider any proposals to publish the results of this advice on their merits.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the proposals of Mr. Peter Levene to improve the management of his Department will be published.

Mr. Heseltine

Advice on the management of my Department comes to me from a number of people, including Mr. Levene. I shall make public my proposals for improved efficiency in the normal way.