§ Mr. IngramTo ask the Prime Minister whether, at the meeting held on 18 February with the general secretaries of the Civil Service trade unions, Government plans for the privatisation of civil service posts were discussed; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe purpose of the meeting of Civil Service trade union leaders with the head of the Home Civil Service and senior colleagues on 18 February was to tell them of the Government's decision, which I announced to the House that day, to accept the main recommendations of the efficiency unit's report "Improving Management in Government: The Next Steps".
It was made clear at the meeting that the "Next Steps" initiative is separate from privatisation. The Government will maintain their privatisation policy, but "Next Steps" is primarily about those activities which are carried out within Government.