§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what benefits have accrued from English Heritage's transfer of management of a number of its properties to(a) English Heritage, (b) the new managers of the properties and (c) the Exchequer.
§ Mr. BrookeIn pursuance of the policies in its "Forward Strategy", English Heritage sought my agreement to the transfer of 22 sites to local management in March this year. Local management arrangements provide opportunities for improved cost-effectiveness and can bring benefits in terms of local enthusiasm for and commitment to the properties concerned, as well as additional resources for their preservation and presentation to the public. It is too early to quantify the extent of these benefits. However, I have agreed with English Heritage that it will keep the success of alternative management schemes under review and will formally evaluate the effectiveness of the policy in two years' time.
§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what guidance he has given on the application of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 to the staff of English Heritage employed at properties whose management is to be transferred to other bodies such as the National Trust.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Department of National Heritage has issued advice to English Heritage on the application of the Transport of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)344W Regulations 1981, in accordance with the guidance given by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 11 March 1993, Official Report, columns 648–49. English Heritage follow this guidance in all relevant cases where the management of English Heritage properties is transferred to other bodies.