§ Mr. Derek FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what scrutiny procedures were undertaken in respect of the recent appointment of a senior MOD official to Vosper Thorneycroft; if any recommendation was made to delay the appointment; what(a) formal and 127W (b) informal contact the official had with Vosper Thorneycroft while at his Department; and if he will make a statement. [9881]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe official's application to take up the appointment with Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd. was considered under the rules on the acceptance of outside appointments by Crown servants. Although he had frequent contact with his prospective employer, he was not in a position where he could influence the award of defence contracts. Ten competitors of Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd. were consulted about the proposed appointment but none wished to raise objections. It would not have been appropriate, in the circumstances, to have placed any restriction on the proposed employment.