§ Mr. DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about defence agency status for the logistics support services organisation of the Royal Air Force. [20451]
§ Mr. SoamesThe Royal Air Force logistics support services organisation is part of Headquarters Logistics Command, and is responsible for providing a range of engineering and supply logistic support services to the Ministry of Defence, overseas Governments and the UK defence industry. It has been decided that the logistics support services organisation is to be considered for defence agency status under the next steps procedures. An entry to this effect will appear in the May 1995 edition of the market testing bulletin.
§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposed rationalisation of Headquarters Logistics Command. [20481]
§ Mr SoamesAs part of the "Front Line First" process, my Department has consulted thoroughly with trade unions and local authorities closely associated with RAF Logistics Command on the proposal to rationalise its headquarters' structure.
No issues have been raised which call into question the viability of the proposal and I have therefore decided that it should proceed as set out in the consultative document, which was issued on 19 January 1995. The effect of this rationalisation is the creation of some 400 civilian posts in the Headquarters Logistics Command at various levels.
The details of the new civilian posts involved are being issued to trade unions for further local consultation and discussion.