HC Deb 01 July 1992 vol 210 cc653-4W
Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost so far of the market-testing initiative in his Department since November 1991.

Mr. Aitken

The market-testing initiative is being pursued as part of the Department's on-going work on efficiency. Its costs cannot be separately identified.

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of savings in his Department as a result of the market-testing programme.

Mr. Aitken

The MOD's market-testing programme has existed since 1979. Since then, market testing and private sector contracting have secured savings which are estimated to have reached a cumulative total of some £500 million at today's prices.

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give a date when he will announce the areas of work in his Department to be market tested; and whether all relevant information will be made publicly available.

Mr. Aitken

I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridgeshire, South-East (Mr. Paice) on 22 June,Official Report column 102.