12. What recent representations he has received on future employment at MOD Donnington; and if he will make a statement. (904811)
The Secretary of State has an uncharacteristically ashen face, but I am sure that the sensation will pass.
As my hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mark Pritchard) knows, I have visited MOD Donnington a couple of times. My most recent visit was on 15 May, when I had the opportunity to meet representatives of both staff and the trade unions. I have received representations from both hon. and right hon. Members of the House, including from my hon. Friend and parliamentary neighbour.
I am grateful for that reply. While I may not be right honourable, I nevertheless hope that MOD Donnington will feature in the Minister’s thinking over coming weeks as he decides on the successful bidder for the future logistics of Her Majesty’s armed forces.
As my hon. Friend knows, we are currently engaged in introducing private sector management skills into the logistics and defence support group activities carried out at Donnington. Both are at advanced stages of negotiation, so I am unable to give him any more information at this point about the competition. However, as soon as a decision is reached, he will be one of the first to know.