Written question asked by Desmond Swayne (Conservative) on Monday, 26 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 October 1999. It was answered by Peter Kilfoyle (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 October 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if liabilities arising from the exposure of staff to hazardous working conditions will be transferred to the purchaser following the privatisation of DERA; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if liabilities arising from the exposure of staff to hazardous working conditions will be transferred to the purchaser following the privatisation of DERA; and if he will make a statement. [93664] Mr. Kilfoyle: No decision has been made on the nature of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for DERA, and it is too early to speculate both on the precise form it would take and how commercial and legal issues, including liabilities, will be handled. The MOD study team, which is taking forward the work on the DERA PPP, is supported by legal experts who will provide advice during the implementation stage on the future treatment of liabilities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 93664; 336 c421W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Liability Joint ventures Private sector Privatisation Public sector Staff Working conditions Defence Evaluation and Research Agency