Atomic Weapons Establishments

HC Deb 03 April 1990 vol 170 cc596-7W

47. Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the proposed contractorisation of atomic weapons establishments.

Mr. Neubert

Since the announcement on 5 December 1989 by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, further progress has been made towards the contractorisation of the atomic weapons establishment.

An implementation support group has been formed at AWE. Its first task is preparation for the initial phase, in which a contractor will be appointed to strengthen the management of AWE by bringing in a small number of experienced managers from the private sector. Invitations to tender will be issued shortly.