HC Deb 12 March 1990 vol 169 cc99-101W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many staff of the Property Services Agency were serving abroad on 1 February; in which countries they were stationed; and whether they will be given the opportunity to return to the United Kingdom before privatisation.

Mr. Chope

At 1 February 1990 the numbers of civil servants in the Property Services Agency serving abroad were:

Non-industrial Industrial
Germany 274 5
Cyprus 53 20
Gibraltar 49 4
Hong Kong 12
Ascension 6 4
Belize 10 12
Bermuda 1
Falkland Islands 20
Canada 2
United States of America 1
428 45

Up to privatisation, staff serving abroad will be expected to serve out their tours in the normal way.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what number of Property Services Agency staff have been told that they cannot accept or apply for Civil Service posts outside the Property Services Agency.

Mr. Chope

None, but all staff are aware that their release will depend on whether they need to be replaced and if so when a suitable replacement can be found.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of consultants and contractors who failed the Property Services Agency's security clearance tests in 1987, 1988 and 1989.

Mr. Chope

It is not the practice to give detailed information about security vetting.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the staff of the Property Services Agency will lose their civil servant status following their transfer to the proposed Government-owned company.

Mr. Chope

Yes.