DPF Briefing

May 2000

Dera Privatisation

New plans to privatise a large part of the Defence Evaluation Research Agency have recently been announced. According to proposals outlined in a consultative document, DERA would be split in two with three-quarters of its present activities being privatised and the remainder, including Porton Down, being retained in MoD. The hived off portion called NEW DERA would be prepared for flotation by a financial institution or venture capital group.

Under present arrangements MDP are deployed at six sites, the Defence Select Committee, however, there is no specific mention in the consultative document about future policing and security needs. DPF have sought clarification on how the proposals may impact on MDP.

The governments plans have already been attacked by Trades Unions as being complex, unworkable and a disaster for defence.

Bruce George MP, has also been critical and said ministers must explain why this new arrangement is in the interests of British defence policy.