§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will publish a timetable showing when he plans to market-test those activities listed for testing before 30 September 1993.
§ Mr. BrookeMy Department intends that the market-testing of those activities listed in Cmnd 2101 will be complete by 30 September 1993 and planning is well under way. Tenders are currently being invited for the provision of office services in my Department's new headquarters building. Contracts will be in place before the move.
Tenders are currently being invited for building agent services for the royal parks with the intention that the managing contractor will be appointed by 1 April 1993 or shortly thereafter. The Historic Royal Palaces Agency will present a report to me on the market-testing of gardens maintenance by the end of this year.
§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage 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 the EC acquired rights directive 77/189/EEC will apply.
§ Mr. BrookeMy Department intends to contract out a number of its central services when it moves to its new headquarters. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations are unlikely to apply in this case as none of my Department's staff are currently engaged in providing these services. In relation to other activities due to be market-tested, my Department will seek legal advice on the relevance of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations and the EC Acquired Rights Directive 77/189/EEC on a case by case basis.