MORE military services are to be sold to the private sector in the latest efficiency move by the Ministry of Defence.

Fire and crash services at 96 British military air bases around the world - including the fighter base at Leeming, North Yorkshire - are to be privatised by 2003.

The move would involve the transfer of more than 2,000 staff to commercial companies, and job losses are regarded as inevitable.

The MoD said that security and military operations at the bases will not be compromised.

A spokesman said: "We use commercial contracts and civilian staff for a variety of different projects, and we have tried and tested procedures in place to safeguard security."

Negotiations are under way with three organisations under the Private Finance Initiative, and the successful bidder will win a 25-year contract.

The winner's responsibility for airfield support services will also include refuelling aircraft and clearing ice and snow from runways.

The bidders are Logicair, which includes Serco, which runs the international fire training centre at Teesside Airport; Approach Services, which includes BP and Lex; and Airside, set up by Amey Ventures and British Midland Handling.

Fire Brigade Union general secretary Andy Gilchrist said they would be fighting the privatisation plans.

Liberal-Democrat defence spokesman Menzies Campbell also attacked the plan.

He said: "These services will be provided at some of the most sensitive military sites in the country.

"There are bound to be questions about security, and it does seem pretty strange that this contract is to run for 25 years."