§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to use civilian contractors in front-line operations. [29647]
§ Mr. SoamesWe have no such plans. Our aim is to maintain the effectiveness and operational capability of our armed forces. To that end, we seek to concentrate resources on the front line, providing support to the armed forces in ways which ensure long-term value for money, and utilising the skills and resources of the commercial sector wherever this makes operational and economic sense.