§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the potential benefits from use of the private finance initiative in his Department's projects in Northern Ireland. [12959]
§ Dr. ReidI have given approval for two pilot PFI projects to be run to explore the feasibility of the Army making use of the private finance initiative in Northern Ireland. One involves the provision of families quarters in Ballymena, Antrim and Lisburn areas and the other the provision of living and working accommodation and facilities management in Lisburn. A briefing day for firms interested in the families quarters project was held on 20 October 1997 but it is too early to assess the potential benefits if the PFI proves practicable.
§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the security implications of non-civil service arrangements for the work presently carried out in his Department by Building Management (Northern Ireland). [12958]
§ Dr. ReidManagement, construction and maintenance of the Defence estate in Northern Ireland is carried out by a combination of commercial firms, MOD civil servants and service personnel. We are currently reviewing the headquarters Northern Ireland estate organisation, including the Building Management (Northern Ireland) element. As part of this we shall be taking into account the financial and personnel, as well as security, implications of any proposals for change.
§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for replacing civilian workers with Army personnel in his Department's establishments in Northern Ireland. [12960]
§ Dr. ReidThe hon. Gentleman will understand that the military and civilian manpower mix in MOD establishments in Northern Ireland is kept under review to provide the most efficient and cost effective use of personnel.