§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total sum paid out in fees to outside organisations in the furtherance of privatisation by his Department in 1979–80 and in each following year; and what is his estimate for 1990–91 and budget for 1991–92.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe only privatisation my Department has undertaken since 1979 was the sale of Royal Ordnance plc, following an open competition, to British Aerospace plc in April 1987. The fees paid out in respect of that privatisation amounted to £1.9 million for work carried out between 1 January 1985 and completion of the sale.