§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what areas of his Department's responsibilities he has introduced, or may introduce, private finance; and if he will describe in each case the procedures by which private finance is sought.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe private finance initiative is intended to apply to all services which are traditionally provided by Government Departments. My Department will consider the introduction of private finance in cases where it represents value for money and the assumption of risk by the private sector, in accordance with the guidance which has been published by the Treasury. Some operating capital has been introduced into the royal dockyards under contractor operation and will be similarly used at the Atomic Weapons Establishment. Expressions of interest have been sought on the possible offer for sale of one or both dockyards. A proposal is being studied that a new non-profit-making organisation should take over the ownership and management of the married quarter estate.