Written question asked by Julian Critchley (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: What proposals he has to privatise the Army Base Storage and Redistribution Agency.

Answer: Sir Julian Critchley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to privatise the Army Base Storage and Redistribution Agency; and if he will make a statement. [20998] Mr. Soames: There are no proposals at this present time to privatise ABSDA. However, as the hon. Member will be aware, ABSDA is required to make efficiencies and improve cost-effectiveness. To this end we have launched a programme of market testing under the Government's "Competing for Quality" initiative. The CFQ programme embraces the activities of the three functional divisions of ABDSA which deal with vehicles and fuels, ammunition and stores. The programme is currently under way and its findings are as yet unknown but will be reported as soon as they are available.

Secondary information