§ Lord Gregsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress they have made on the study into the options for a public private partnership (PPP) for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). [HL2345]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)A report on the public private partnership options for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency was submitted to Ministers by the Ministry of Defence study team on 31 March 1999.
The report detailed the progress of the study to date, setting out the team's analysis and the proposed way ahead. In line with its advice, we have agreed that it should consult on the report's findings with key stakeholders, including other government departments, UK industry and academia, overseas allies, DERA staff and trade unions, before providing Ministers with a final recommendation in the summer.
We would hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the PPP option chosen by the time of the Summer Recess. However, it is important that all stakeholders are properly consulted and their views taken into account before a decision is taken on the final shape of the PPP.
A copy of the consultation document has been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Lord Gregsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made on the location of the permanent headquarters of the Defence Logistics Organisation. [HL2344]
§ Lord GilbertWe have undertaken a comprehensive investment appraisal and business case study to inform a decision on the location of the headquarters of the Defence Logistics Organisation, DLO, following its foundation year. We are now able to announce that, subject to full consultation with the trade unions, the headquarters will be based from 1 April 2000 at Ensleigh in Bath. The headquarters will comprise only a very small proportion of the DLO's staff, but its new location is the best site to enable it to drive forward the revolution in logistic support, deliver the full scale of early business improvements expected from the newly unified organisation, work closely with the Defence Procurement Agency to develop the smart procurement initiative and become an integrated and responsive defence logistics team. Once agreement is reached with the trade unions, transition planning will begin in earnest with the aim of a step by step move to the new location by 1 April 2000.