HC Deb 06 March 1990 vol 168 cc551-2W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many D and F grades were employed at TCS on 16 February; and how many had applied for early retirement or severance at that date.

Mr. Chope

On 16 February 1990, a total of 318 permanent of D and F grades were employed in TCS. At that date, 152 had applied for early retirement or severance.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how often he met members of the privatisation unit of the Crown Suppliers in 1989.

Mr. Chope

My right hon. Friend meets his officials as necessary.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how often the Parliamentary Under-Secretary met members of the management buy-out team for the product supply services division and the buying agency of TCS in 1989.

Mr. Chope

I had one formal meeting with the management buy-out team for PSSD and the buying agency, to discuss its proposals.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he encourages managers from the buying agency of TCS to bid for their business separately; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

The Government welcome staff interest in bidding for the business of the Crown Suppliers. Managers of the buying agency of the Crown Suppliers are among those buy-out teams and outside organisations which have been invited to bid for the contract furnishing business, which consists of the product supply and services and the buying agency divisions of the Crown Suppliers.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether in 1989 TCS received any advice about EEC directives on procurement.

Mr. Chope

Like other Government Departments, the Crown Suppliers receive advice from the Treasury on EC directives from time to time. In 1989, some 20 such papers were received.