DPF Briefing

June 2002

Qinetiq

Defence Minister Lewis Moonie has backed the decision to remove the MDP from Shoeburyness, Pendine and West Freugh. However, when meeting with DPF representatives to discuss the issue, he made clear that no withdrawal would take place until all the necessary security enhancements had been completed to the satisfaction of local home department police and HSE. The works programme is to be reviewed in July with progress being reported direct to Ministers. In a separate development the government has announced that Qinetiq would not be floated on the stock exchange but instead sold to a strategic partner.