§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil service functions are currently being considered for privatisation; and who the consultants are in each case. [16972]
§ Sir George YoungAn activity is identified as a possible candidate for privatisation either in the Department's annual efficiency plan, or as part of a prior options review process under which activities are reviewed to see whether they should be abolished,904W privatised, strategically contracted-out, market tested or given agency status. Prior options reviews are announced in the monthly "Market Testing Bulletin". Decisions on possible candidates for privatisation are announced by departmental Ministers as and when appropriate.
Information on the consultants used by departments and agencies in cases currently being considered is not held centrally.