The government has decided not to outsource the work of the Export Control Organisation, the Minister for Energy, Malcolm Wicks, announced in a parliamentary answer on 21 July 2005.  The text of the original questions and answer are set out below.

Malcolm Bruce (Lib Dem, Gordon)  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the Answer of 13 June, Official Report, column 78W, on the Export Control Organisation, through which mechanisms he will announce his decision on (a) the future of the Export Control Organisation and (b) whether to delegate authority to issue export licences to a private contractor; and if he will make a statement. 13723               

Malcolm Bruce (Lib Dem, Gordon)  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, whether he is required to inform (a) other Government departments, (b) honourable Members and (c) the public that a decision has been made on whether to delegate authority to issue export licences to a private contractor; and if he will make a statement. 13801               

 Malcolm Wicks (Minister of State for Energy)

We have now reviewed the options for outsourcing the work of the Export Control Organisation.  On the basis of a thorough analysis we have concluded that in this particular case, there are doubts about whether outsourcing the licensing function would achieve sufficient additional benefits.  We have therefore decided not to proceed with outsourcing these activities.  Industry and other interested parties are being informed of this conclusion through various channels. 

Parliamentary Question No 2005/844 & 845, Thursday 21 July 2005

XNP/ECO's Services Review Report was published on 21 June 2005: http://www.dti.gov.uk/export.control/publications/xnpservsreview2005.htm

9 August 2005