§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about consultations with the Property Services Agency departmental trade union side before he takes a decision on the Crown Suppliers review team reports, 1 and 2, and on the further considerations and report made to him by the central purchasing unit.
§ Sir George YoungThe departmental trade union side continues to be fully consulted before any final decisions are taken about the future of the Crown suppliers.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place a copy of the report of the central purchasing unit on the future of the Crown Suppliers in the Library; and if he will make a copy available to the Property Services Agency departmental trade union side.
§ Sir George YoungThe advice from the central unit on purchasing to Ministers is not in a form suitable for publication. However, I hope soon to be in a position to indicate the next steps I propose to take in the light of the CUP advice and the earlier review team report.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a detailed statement containing a full cost-benefit analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of contracting out, hiving off or privatisation of any part of the Crown Suppliers.
§ Sir George YoungI am not yet in a position to make a detailed statement on those lines.