HC Deb 09 January 1985 vol 70 cc458-9W
Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, on his appointment as chief of defence procurement, Mr. Peter Levene has been asked to divest himself of all his shareholdings in United Scientific Holdings and all its subsidiary and related companies.

Mr. Butler

Yes.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what conditions have been placed on Mr. Peter Levene's commercial activities in the arms world following completion of his five years as chief of defence procurement.

Mr. Butler

Mr. Levene has agreed to abide by the normal rules that govern the acceptance of business or other outside appointments, which apply to Crown servants.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the report on defence procurement prepared by Mr. Peter Levene when he was temporary adviser to the Secretary of State for Defence.

Mr. Butler

No.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in his report on defence procurement, Mr. Peter Levene recommended the appointment of a new chief of defence procurement.

Mr. Butler

No.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Mr. Peter Levene in his new position as chief of defence procurement will have any responsibility for contracts for refitting naval vessels and any supervisory role in the work of the royal dockyards.

Mr. Butler

Responsibility for refitting naval vessels, including contract refitting, rests with the chief of fleet support. As regards contract refitting, while the chief of defence procurement is administratively responsible for the contracts staff and for certain project overseeing staff who assist the chief of fleet support in this area, it is the chief of fleet support who is the responsible accounting officer. The chief of fleet support is responsible, both in terms of departmental organisation and as the accounting officer, for the work of the royal dockyards.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis the salary figure of £95,000 for Mr. Peter Levene the new chief of defence procurement was agreed.

Mr. Butler

Mr. Levene's salary was negotiated at a level acceptable to both the Government and Mr. Levene. This is substantially lower than the salary he receives at present.