HC Deb 10 June 2002 vol 386 cc993-4W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who has been appointed as a partner contractor for the Liabilities Management Unit; and if she will make a statement. [60029]

Mr. Wilson

A partner contractor for the Liabilities Management Unit has yet to be appointed. My officials are in discussion with the preferred bidder over contract arrangements. I will make an announcement when a contract has been agreed.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when she will publish the Bill to establish the Liabilities Management Authority; and if she will make a statement; [60027]

(2) when she expects the Liabilities Management Authority to be operational. [60026]

Mr. Wilson

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry made clear in her statement to the House on 28 November 2001, the establishment of the Liabilities Management Authority will require primary legislation. A Bill will be introduced at the earliest opportunity.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff, by grade, are(a) planned for and (b) appointed to her Liabilities Management Unit; and what its budget will be (a) this year and (b) in the next two years. [60028]

Mr. Wilson

The Liabilities Management Unit (LMU) comprises a mix of private and public sector employees, the majority of whom are secondees from BNFL and UKAEA. The Director is on loan from the private sector and is a Senior Civil Service equivalent. The remaining staff are mostly Band C or equivalent. There are currently 19 staff in the LMU. The make up of the team will be kept under review but it is not expected to increase significantly. The LMU's administrative budget for 2002–03 is around £1.5 million and similar amounts are likely to be needed in the following two years.