§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Mr. David Hart has declared any financial or other interest in any organisation potentially interested in or able to benefit from the proposed transfer of the Ministry of Defence married quarters' estate to the private sector. [4203]
§ Mr. SoamesAll the independent advisers involved in our work on the transfer of ownership of the married quarters estate to the private sector have given formal 165W undertakings designed to ensure that there is no conflict of interest in their involvement and that they have no financial stake in the outcome of the transaction.
§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the extent of the involvement of Mr. David Hart in(a) the formulation of his proposal to transfer the ownership of the Ministry of Defence married quarters' estate to the private sector and (b) discussions about this policy with NatWest Markets. [4204]
§ Mr. SoamesAs my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces said in his answer of 22 March to the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark),Official Report, column 218, Mr. Hart is one of several independent advisers who have contributed to the development of proposals for the married quarters estate. His involvement has included, from time to time, participation in discussions on the proposed transfer of ownership with Ministers, officials, and others advising on the proposals, including NatWest Markets.