Written question asked by John Heppell (Labour) on Monday, 11 May 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 May 1998. It was answered by Peter Kilfoyle (Labour) on Thursday, 14 May 1998 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if he has made a decision on the future of the Security Facilities Executive.

Answer: Mr. Heppell: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has made a decision on the future of the Security Facilities Executive. [41926] Mr. Kilfoyle: I have decided that SAFE is no longer a financially viable organisation, and that it should cease to be an executive agency from 1 July. From that date, its services will be provided from within the Cabinet Office (Office of Public Service), with a view, thereafter, to transferring SAFE's essential functions and associated staff to the other Government Departments as soon as it is practicable to do so. I also propose that over the next three years its remaining services should be run down. This process will be completed no later than 31 March 2001. This decision is, I believe, the one which best meets my three criteria of: maintaining the security requirements of customers; safeguarding the interests of staff; and ensuring that the principle of value for money is maintained.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 312 c163W; 41926
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Executive agencies Departmental responsibilities Cabinet Office Security Facilities Executive