§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Dr. Lewis Moonie)Further to my statement on 12 December 2002,Official Report, column 29WS, a contract has now been awarded to Landmark Support Services Limited. As a result of the contract the Ministry of Defence expects better support to training for the Armed Forces and more effective and sustainable management of the Army Training Estate through the introduction of this strategic commercial partner.
58WSThe contract will cost £600 million over 10 years and will start on 1 April 2003. Approximately 1,300 Ministry of Defence civilian personnel will transfer to the private sector on 1 July on their current terms and conditions of employment. Departmental Trades Unions have been fully consulted throughout the process and formal consultation will take place before Ministry of Defence employees transfer.
This decision enables the Army to concentrate on its core purpose. It will bring best commercial practice to bear on non-military issues such as management information systems, estate investment and conservation, rationalisation and efficiency, all of which will provide better value for money and operational benefits.