The Minister for Defence has defended the use of private security firms to protect six former Army barracks which have been evacuated before being sold. They are expected to fetch up to £50 million. Up to November 6th, the use of private security for the barracks cost £51,000, Mr Smith said during defence questions. In 1997, however, "the cost of securing barracks in security duty allowances alone was £4.5 million". In addition, he said, "the savings arising from the closure of these five barracks will be a permanent saving of half a million pounds a year".