HC Deb 27 October 1988 vol 139 cc340-1W
Sir Trevor Skeet

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how it is proposed to safeguard long-term planning projects while restructuring of research establishments is being undertaken.

Mr. Sainsbury

The requirement of long-term projects will be taken into account in any proposals for restructuring the research establishments.

Sir Trevor Skeet

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are employed by(a) the Admiralty research establishment, (b) the royal aerospace establishment, (c) the royal armaments research and development establishment, (d) the royal signals and radar establishment, (e) the chemical defence establishment and (f) the aeroplane and armament experimental establishment; and what staff cuts are envisaged at each.

Mr. Sainsbury

As at 1 April 1988, the number of staff employed at each establishment was as follows:

Numbers
Admiralty Research Establishment 3,006
Royal Aerospace Establishment 5,378
Royal Armaments Research and Development Establishment 2,340
Royal Signals and Radar Establishment 1,605
Chemical Defence Establishment 555
Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment 1,133

Staffing levels are kept under continual review, and reflect current and predicted workloads.

Sir Trevor Skeet

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he intends the formation of a defence research agency to be the precursor of full privatisation of the establishments involved.

Mr. Sainsbury

Proposals for the creation of a defence research agency are currently under consideration. No decisions have yet been taken. However, full privatisation of the non-nuclear research establishments is not likely to be appropriate; the agency concept relates to the improvement of management efficiency in the public sector.

Sir Trevor Skeet

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he intends that the existing research establishments should form one unit or will be assembled under several entities.

Mr. Sainsbury

Decisions on the status and scope of the proposed defence research agency have yet to be taken.