HC Deb 23 April 1991 vol 189 cc393-4W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what consultations his Department has had with local authorities over the proposed privatisation of municipal airports, ports and harbours and bus companies; and if he will make a statement;

(2) when the Government intend to bring forward proposals for the privatisation of municipal airports, ports and harbours and bus companies; and if he will make a statement;

Local government staffing in England Selected service breakdown (December data)
Service Total (FT+PT) Year-on-year change per cent. Change since 1975 per cent. Full-time equivalent Year-on-year change per cent. Change since 1975 per cent.
1975 (See Note 1)
Education (L/T) 653,020 — — 529,937 — —
Education (other) 677,999 — — 410,972 — —
Construction 132,715 — — 132,385 — —
Social Services 265,150 — — 182,512 — —
Other general services 595,540 — — 546,120 — —
Police (all ranks) 100,364 — — 100,364 — —
1988
Education (L/T) 651,728 –0.4 –0.2 502,838 –0.7 –5.1
Education (other) 649,222 –1.0 –4.2 382,571 –0.7 –6.9
Construction 101,072 –5.0 –23.8 100,676 –5.0 –24.0
Social Services 336,756 0.7 27.0 229,675 1.0 25.8
Other general services 578,597 –0.4 –2.8 518,460 –0.7 –5.1
Police (all ranks) 118,249 0.9 17.8 118,249 0.9 17.8
1989
Education (L/T) 628,414 –3.6 –3.8 481,407 –4.3 –9.2
Education (other) 627,822 –3.3 –7.4 364,315 –4.8 –11.4
Construction 97,435 –3.6 –26.6 97,037 –3.6 –26.7
Social Services 341,366 1.4 28.7 233,953 1.9 28.2
Other general services 584,767 1.1 –1.8 523,606 1.0 –4.1
Police (all ranks) 119,605 1.1 19.2 119,605 1.1 19.2
1990
Education (L/T) 614,908 –2.1 –5.8 477,204 –0.9 –10.0
Education (other) 624,957 –0.5 –7.8 363,124 –0.3 –11.6
Construction 91,118 –6.5 –31.3 90,687 –6.5 –31.5
Social Services 343,508 0.6 29.6 237,401 1.5 30.1
Other general services 592,456 1.3 –0.5 529,909 1.2 –3.0
Police (all ranks) 120,593 0.8 20.2 120,593 0.8 20.2

Notes:

1. 1975 is the earliest year for which data is available.

(3) what representations he has received from private sector companies interested in bidding for the municipal airports, ports and harbours and bus companies that the Government intend to privatise; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McLoughlin

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. and learned Friend is considering the scope for privatisation of local authority ports, airports, and public transport companies but has reached no conclusions. A company which is in negotiation with a local authority to take a lease of part of their port has been in touch with my Department; no other representations from prospective purchasers have been received.