Defence Depots

HC Deb 17 December 1986 vol 107 cc592-3W

Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the reports of the central contracts team looking into the putting out to contract of defence depots are to be issued to trade unions; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what information has been given to trade unions regarding contract compliance as to conditions of employment and so on, where putting out to contract has taken place at defence depots.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the current work of the central contractorisation team at the RAOC Central Ordnance Depot, Bicester, in preparing a statement of requirement for the administrative support functions which the Department proposes to put to contract. This will form the basis of invitations to tender and will be sent to the trade unions when they are issued. The terms and conditions of service of a contractor's employees are matters to be decided between the contractor and his employees or the trade unions representing them.

Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the measures followed by his Department to ensure the security of defence depots in cases where contracts are put out to tender; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

MOD will retain overall responsibility for security at all defence establishments, including those where work has been placed out to contract. Contractors' personnel will be subject to the establishment's security regulations and procedures. MOD headquarters approval will be required before they can be allowed access to classified information.

Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the policy of his Department as to the security classification of work, papers and so on in the event of contracts being put out to tender at defence depots.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Contractors having access to classified information or materials will be required to protect them to the same standards as are required of MOD personnel. The effectiveness of their security measures is monitored by or on behalf of MOD.