212. You have these 4,300 people in London, you mentioned that one quarter are military. Was there a serious proposal to move the vast majority of these people to a cheaper location?
(Sir Kevin Tebbit) In the mid 1990s we did look at that and found that was not the most cost effective thing to do. If I find it to be cost effective to get the non-headquarters people who are in London out of London, then I will do it. At the moment the deal we have on St George's Court is cheaper. That would certainly be a chunk of staff we would move out if it becomes cost effective.
213. You could move them out and sub-let the building, could you not?
(Sir Kevin Tebbit) Yes; we would get rid of it, we lease it.
Chairman: That concludes our business. May I thank you and Mr Webber and your colleagues for coming this afternoon? I can understand some of the frustration felt this afternoon because, as Mr Jones quoted from the contents page, "The deal gives MOD what it set out to procure", "After an effective procurement the benefits of this deal will be similar in cost to the forecast cost of conventional procurement; other factors tipped the balance in favour of PFI". I am sure you will understand that we have to investigate these matters and no doubt we shall return to them in our Report. Thank you very much for coming. I know you wanted to get away for a royal occasion by six thirty. We do not want the PAC being accused of keeping you from a royal occasion, so we shall let you go now. Order, order.