§ 7. Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will consider proposals for the privatisation of the Professional and Executive Recruitment Service.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThere are no plans for the moment to change the basis of operation of the service, but we shall be keeping it under review in the light of its financial performance.
§ Mr. BrownSince the service used to cost the taxpayer £5 million a year, and since, thanks to the excellent work of the Manpower Services Commission, it now operates on a cost-recovery basis, does my hon. Friend agree that it is time to invite the Manpower Services Commission to prepare proposals for the privatisation of the service?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs my hon. Friend says, the Manpower Services Commission and the officials in the Professional and Executive Recruitment Service have done a magnificent job in putting it on to a cost-recovery basis. We have only just achieved that position and in future options can, perhaps, be considered.
§ Mr. FatchettGiven the growing public concern over the number of Tory Members of Parliament financially linked with companies seeking privatisation, would it not be useful for the Government to ask any company which seeks private work through the Professional and Executive Recruitment Service to publish the names of those Conservative Members who are on the payroll of such interested companies?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs I understand it, all hon. Members declare their interests.