§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total amount spent to date for management consultants working on his Department's privatisation plans for the royal dockyards at(a) Rosyth and (b) Devonport; when he expects to make an announcement concerning the privatisation of the dockyards; what consideration he has given to the future pension provisions of the workers currently employed at the two sites; and if he will make a statement. [19977]
§ Mr. FreemanDuring the period between 18 October 1993, when my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced our policy towards the future management of the royal dockyards,Official Report, 18 October 1993, columns 39–41, and 28 March 1995, payments made or outstanding specifically for management consultancy advice given in relation to the proposed privatisation of the dockyards totalled some £3.1 million. Costs attributable to one dockyard or the other cannot be separately identified. Further announcements on the future management of the royal dockyards will be made as and when appropriate, but it is likely to be some months before any final decisions are taken. Full account will be taken of all relevant personnel issues, including those relating to the management and operation of the established dockyard company pension schemes, and consultation will take place as appropriate.