Chessington Computer Centre

HC Deb 17 November 1994 vol 250 cc1-2W

Mr. Tracey

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement about the future of Chessington Computer Centre.

Mr. David Hunt

When Chessington was launched as an agency and trading fund in April 1993, my predecessor announced that it was a clear candidate for privatisation, but that a decision would be deferred to allow Chessington to develop a commercial track record, and to give time for private sector competition to become established.

Chessington has been very successful as an executive agency, for example, achieving all its performance targets in its first year. Over the coming months, I will be reviewing the case for privatisation and how it might best be achieved in the light of developments since April 1993.

I would welcome contributions to this review from those with an interest in Chessington and its work by January 1995. Further details are in the December issue of the Market Testing Bulletin to be published on 21 November.