HC Deb 26 February 1987 vol 111 cc362-3W
Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce legislation to privatise the Crown Suppliers.

Mr. Chope

The feasibility of privatising the Crown Suppliers, in whole or in part, is still being examined by consultants who will report soon.

Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what decisions he has reached concerning the future of the Crown Suppliers; and if he will place a copy of the report of the central unit on purchasing in the Library.

Mr. Chope

I have reached no decisions concerning the future of the Crown Suppliers; I await the consultants' report mentioned to the hon. Member today in another answer. As the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, Acton (Sir G. Young) stated in reply to the hon. Member for Thurrock (Dr. McDonald) on 21 July 1986 the report of the central unit on purchasing is not in a form suitable for publication.

Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with the Property Services Agency trade union side on the future of the Crown Suppliers.

Mr. Chope

The trade union side has made representations to the controller of the Crown Suppliers and to the consultants who are considering the feasibility of privatisation.