HC Deb 19 March 1990 vol 169 cc489-90W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the likely impact of the privatisation of the activities of the Property Services Agency on its staff; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

The terms and conditions of service of staff will be protected. Privatisation will not itself affect the number of staff required, and future staff numbers will depend on the success of the company in competition.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will detail the measures being taken to ensure the commercial viability of those activities in which the Property Services Agency is currently involved and which it is the intention of the Property Services Agency Bill to privatise, prior to their privatisation; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether any proof of commercial viability is required as a prerequisite to privatisation of the activities of the Property Services Agency; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

Departments will be untied from PSA from 1 April 1990. PSA will provide its services in competition with the private sector, and its future success will depend on the work which it wins. When PSA is privatised, any buyer will have satisfied himself that the company has a viable future.