§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the effects of the acquired rights directive on(a) services her Department contracts out and (b) services she plans to contract out in the future; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleTo date, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations which implement the acquired rights directive have not been applicable to any services contracted out by the central Department.
The main functions to be market tested within the Department by the end of September 1993 were published on 25 November 1992 in the citizens charter White Paper (Cm 2101). These are as follows: internal audit, internal management consultancy, library services, office services, selected statistical surveys and support, welfare foods scheme. The possible effects of the acquired rights directive will be taken into consideration in each market test.