HC Deb 29 April 1996 vol 276 cc400-1W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the relevant trade unions are to be de-recognised on the selection of prisons for market testing; and if he will make a statement. [26660]

Miss Widdecombe

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 29 April 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about trade unions being de-recognised on the selection of prisons for market testing. The Director of Personnel has informed all recognised trade unions that they were de-recognised for the purposes of collective bargaining on the scope and selection of schemes for private finance, market testing and contracting out. We shall continue to consult with the trade unions on these matters. Where as a consequence of schemes transferring work to contractors there are personnel implications, the existing arrangements for consultation or negotiation with trade unions will apply.