§ Mr. RapsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposal to transfer the running of naval training to Flagship Training Ltd.; and if he will consider allowing affected employees to remain within his Department for the foreseeable future. [2005]
§ Dr. John ReidNo proposals exist to transfer the running of Royal Naval training to the private sector. The management and control of RN training will remain the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency (NRTA)/Flag Officer Training and Recruiting and the Commanding Officers of his shore training establishments.
Proposals are currently being considered for the transfer of a number of, mainly support, NRTA activities to Flagship Training Ltd. which would involve the transfer of some employees under the provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE).
All Agency employees who may be affected by these proposals have been given the opportunity to register a preference to stay within the Department. Every effort is being made to find alternative posts for those who have registered such a preference.
I will write to the hon. Member when a final decision has been taken on the activity transfer.