§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he has any plans to privatise the Captain of the Port's facility at Portsmouth;
(2) what investigations have been carried out into the feasibility of privatising the Captain of the Port's facility at Portsmouth.
§ Mr. LeeThe scope for contracting out marine services tasks generally is under examination as the result of a recent management audit. Our principal aim must be to improve efficiency, while maintaining the operational effectiveness of the services provided. If specific proposals for contractorisation are developed, in respect of Portsmouth or elsewhere, there will be full consultation before decisions are taken.
No specific studies in respect of the Captain of the Port's department at Portsmouth have yet been completed.