§ 3 p.m.
§ Lord Wallace of Saltaire asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What other aspects of the operations, staffing or property of Parliament or of the Palace of Westminster may be affected by further steps towards privatisation, beyond the printing of parliamentary papers through HMSO and the recruitment of Clerks and other staff through Recruitment and Assessment Services.
Earl HoweMy Lords, the only other service currently provided to Parliament by OPS bodies in the course of privatisation is the supply of stationery and office equipment by HMSO. There are currently no plans to privatise other OPS agencies having a direct bearing on services to Parliament.
§ Lord Wallace of SaltaireMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. I note that he says "currently". Will he give a categorical assurance that, if the Government consider further steps towards privatisation, there will be the earliest possible consultation with the House? Will he agree that it was constitutionally improper to set towards privatisation areas that are covered by the Palace of Westminster and its operations? Does he accept it as incompatible with the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty and constitutionally subversive of the proper balance between Parliament and government?
Earl HoweMy Lords, it would be impossible for me to commit the Government, or successive governments, indefinitely. As I acknowledged during our debate the other day on Recruitment and Assessment Services, it was indeed unfortunate that the Answer given in another place was not also repeated in this House. Parliamentary scrutiny of any privatisation is possible, as recent debates in this House and in another place proved. But it is equally important that Parliament should be consulted in its role as customer. The privatisation of 1471 HMSO depends on the House authorities agreeing a satisfactory contract. That in itself may involve a debate and a vote. I suggest to the noble Lord that the legitimate interests of Parliament are fully protected.
Lord Bruce of DoningtonMy Lords, will the noble Earl give the House an assurance, in the light of the debate that took place in this House comparatively recently, that the Government will now abandon any question of the privatisation of Recruitment and Assessment Services?
Earl HoweMy Lords, I am aware that terms of reference have been recommended for a Select Committee on the public service, and that it has been suggested that such a committee might first report on the Government's plans for the future of Recruitment and Assessment Services. The Government will wish to consider further their response to the opinion expressed by the House on this matter in the light of that. We have undertaken to come back to the House with that response and we expect to do so shortly.
§ Lord Wallace of SaltaireMy Lords, given the interest expressed in leasing various palaces and various sales of government property, will the Minister assure the House that any proposals from companies interested in the purchase, or even the lease, of property of the Palace of Westminster itself will be dismissed out of court?