§ Mr. Neil HamiltonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government have for the future of the Civil Service Catering Organisation.
§ Mr. MajorI have commissioned a study of future options for the Civil Service Catering Organisation (CISCO).
The aim of the study will be to examine how CISCO might be placed on a more commercial footing for the future in an increasingly competitive environment for the provision of staff catering.
The study will centre on possibilities for the transfer of CISCO to the private sector. Operation in the private sector might provide a better basis and greater range of opportunities for building upon the success that CISCO has achieved to date. The options will include the possibility of management and employee participation in the privatisation of CISCO's business.
If this approach is found not to be feasible or desirable, the study will consider whether CISCO should be retained within the civil service as a "next steps" agency or whether the delivery of catering services is best devolved fully to Government Departments.
The study will involve discussions with Government Department clients of CISCO and consultation with relevant bodies in the catering trade. Consultation will also take place with the Council of Civil Service Unions and the joint coordinating committee for Government industrial establishments.
609WA decision will be made later in the year.