§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on external expertise and advice in connection with the flotation of QinetiQ. [18242]
§ Mr. HoonSince work began on a PPP solution for the future of DERA following the Strategic Defence Review in 1998, external advice has been received on most aspects of the PPP process. This includes advice in support of the detailed options study and the subsequent further work on selected options, legal and financial aspects of the split of DERA and on the eventual transaction. £6.4 million has been spent so far. These costs are subject to continuous scrutiny to ensure that the services of advisers offer value for money. The costs of QinetiQ's advisers are being met by the company.