HC Deb 09 December 1992 vol 215 c658W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a timetable showing when he plans to market-test those activities listed for testing before 30 September 1993.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Our aim is to complete all the planned market tests on the listed activities before 30 September 1993. A detailed timetable has yet to be settled for all areas to be market-tested but market tests have already begun in the following areas:

  • Computer IT services
  • Statistical services
  • Office services
  • Education services in prisons
  • Management of HMP Manchester
  • Warehousing and distribution

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to which of those of his Department's activities due to be market-tested by 30 September 1993 the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 and/or the EC acquired rights directive 77/189/EEC will apply.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE) is the legislation by which the Government implemented the acquired rights directive 77/189/EEC. Whether TUPE should apply is dependent on whether the activity constitutes a "Transfer of Undertaking" or merely a change of supplier. Legal advice will be sought on a case-by-case basis as part of the market-testing process.