§ Mr. Nichollsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if a final decision has now been made to contract out to the private sector the responsibility for the procurement: of technical publications for marine engineering equipment and systems; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeSince the reply given to my hon. Friend on 1 August, at column 279, invitations to tender for this task have been issued to a wide range of firms. A detailed examination of the tenders is planned to begin in the new year. It will, therefore, be some months yet before a final decision can be taken.