HC Deb 13 July 1994 vol 246 c676W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will set out the apportionment for 1994–95 of current costs, current income, historic, contingent and future liability between the faculties services, Government and commercial divisions of AEA Technology;

(2) if he will set out how current costs, historic debt and contingent and future liabilities have been apportioned between the facilities services, Government and commercial divisions of AEA Technology; who advised, and who approved such apportionment; and what external audit approval exists for such apportionment.

Mr. Eggar

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's budget for 1994℃95 is a management matter for the UKAEA. For internal purposes an apportionment of the UKAEA's balance sheet will be made in due course between AEA Technology and UKAEA Government division. The consolidated UKAEA balance sheet will continue to be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General who is the UKAEA's external auditor.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the subjects on which consultants have been appointed to advise AEA Technology on all issues related to the divisional separation and sale of its businesses; what are the terms of appointment of such consultants; and whether, in all cases, they were appointed after competitive tender.

Mr. Eggar

These are management matters for the UKAEA.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how he proposes to fund pensions and redundancy liabilities consequent upon the sale of parts of AEA Technology Ltd.

Mr. Eggar

No decisions have been taken on the form or timing of the privatisation of the business activities of AEA Technology. Arrangements for dealing with pensions matters and any redundancy liabilities which might arise will be determined in the light of those decisions.