HC Deb 17 March 1999 vol 327 cc686-7W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Specialist Procurement Services; what was the figure at its inception; on what date the Specialist Procurement Services published its report for 1997–98; and what was the cost of production of the report. [76875]

Mr. Spellar

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Specialist Procurement Services. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from N. J. Bennett to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 17 March 1999: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about Specialist Procurement Services' staffing levels and Annual Report as these matters fall within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of Specialist Procurement Services. As at 16 March 1999 there were 802 employees funded by Specialist Procurement Services. At its inception the Agency employed 832 persons. The minor reduction in numbers since Agency inception reflects the beginning of a longer-term plan to maintain numbers in line with reduced operating cost targets. These changes are leading to initiatives to adopt new working practices in all of the Agency's operating divisions to minimise the impact on business delivery. In accordance with NAO Agency Audit requirements the Specialist Procurement Services Annual Report and Accounts for 1997–98 was placed in the Library on 20th July 1998. The production cost for the report was £12,800.