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Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Answer

Mr. Sweeney: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has for the future of the security facilities executive following the privatisation of its custody services business early next year. [5772] Mr. Freeman: I intend to set up a new agency from 1 April 1997 comprising the Government car service and the interdespatch service which provide secure transport and mail services. The chief executive will be recruited by open competition. These businesses will be financially separate but operate within one agency. From 1 April the special services group, which provides advice and technical security services to Government Departments and other public sector customers, will then be the sole remaining business of the security facilities executive. From this date I intend that it will continue as an agency of the Office of Public Service. The precise scope of its work is to be determined in the light of a study of its services and the related interests of other Government Departments. The staff of SAFE and the customers of the three businesses will be consulted very carefully about the implementation of these changes.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

286 c602-3W;286 c600-1W; 5772

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Executive agencies Delivery services Privatisation Official cars Security Facilities Executive Office of Public Service