§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposed sale by QinetiQ of Longcross Tanklands to Crest and Mowlem Ltd. [101653]
§ Dr. MoonieWe understand that Longcross Tanklands is an informal local term used to describe a former test track, which forms part of what the Ministry of Defence and QinetiQ know as the Chertsey South site. The freehold of the Chertsey site was transferred to QinetiQ when the company was vested as a Plc in July 2001 and is scheduled for disposal. Negotiations are currently underway with potential purchasers.
Under the terms of the deal signed with The Carlyle Group to acquire a stake in QinetiQ, the Chertsey site forms security against an outstanding loan note from QinetiQ to MOD. QinetiQ will receive no proceeds from the sale of the site until the loan note is repaid in full.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the financial contracts entered into by his Department since 1 January 2002 where QinetiQ have acted as advisors to the Government. [102483]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Department places a large number of contracts each year with QinetiQ—in excess of 1,000 in calendar year 2002. These contracts typically cover a number of tasks, which may include the provision of impartial specialist technical and scientific advice, conducting independent research and the supply of testing and evaluation services. There is no centrally held list identifying all the specific instances in which QinetiQ has acted as advisers and such information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.