HC Deb 17 June 1991 vol 193 cc75-6W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian contracts have been undertaken by the Royal Navy, with respect to Millbury docks in Plymouth, and the Army, with respect to the transportation of heavy gear from Penzance to St. Mary's for an island runway project; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service periodically undertakes work at Millbay docks, Plymouth at the specific request of Associated British Ports. The Army has undertaken one commitment on repayment for the transportation of heavy gear from Penzance to St. Mary's.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice he has given to the armed forces with regard to bidding for civilian contracts.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

There are standing instructions governing the scope of repayment activity and the basis on which it may be conducted. These reflect the principle that the public sector should not, as a general rule, take on activities which can equally well or better be undertaken by the private sector. Under the new management strategy budget holders are encouraged to increase their receipts, for example by making use of temporary spare capacity, within the framework of current policy on repayment activity.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian contracts the British Army has submitted in each of the last five years: how many such contracts have been awarded to the Army; if he will list each such awarded contract; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

It is not MOD policy to seek such business.

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