PRIVATISATION OF DEFENCE TRAINING

Early day motion 139, tabled 18 May 2005 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 36 members.

That this House notes the outstanding contribution made by Civil Service instructional officers, Burnham lecturers and the support and administration staff employed by the Ministry of Defence in supporting and delivering training to the armed forces; notes with concern the lack of real competition in the Defence Training Review transformation programme, with only two consortia competing for each package in a deal calculated to be worth over £19 billion; is concerned that there will be no break point for review until 15 years into the contract; is further concerned about the poor track record of some of the companies making up the consortia and at the concept of selling the whole of the training for the armed forces to foreign investors; and therefore urges the Government to consider the viable option of an in-house bid and not to include instructional officers, Burnham lecturers and the support and administrative staff as part of any privatisation.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Respect 1.