HC Deb 22 February 1991 vol 186 cc280-1W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the Property Services Agency to be placed on a commercial accounting basis.

Mr. Yeo

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that I gave to his question on 14 February 1991 at column538.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps have been taken to ensure that Property Services Agency divisions other than TCS have all complied with all EC/GATT regulations relating to the actions of the Property Services Agency.

Mr. Yeo

As part of preparations for operation as the agent of other Government Departments requiring work services, all PSA services divisions have been reminded of the EC/GATT rules.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements are being made for the valuation of the Property Services Agency and its assets prior to privatisation.

Mr. Yeo

Financial advisers, appointed in connection with the privatisation of the Property Services Agency, will value the business and its assets prior to privatisation.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guarantees or conditions he is applying to the contract for sale of the divisions of the Property Services Agency to ensure that terms of conditions of service that currently apply to civil servants in that department are retained.

Mr. Yeo

All employees' terms and conditions of service are protected by law against unilateral changes. The contract for sale is likely to refer to redundancy and pension terms, because those arrangements are subject to technical changes. Negotiations are taking place with the relevant trade unions about those changes.