HC Deb 09 December 1992 vol 215 cc681-2W
Mr. Wilshire

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

Miss Widdecombe

The timetable listed in Cm 2101 shows the main activities which the Department aims to market-test by 30 September 1993. We also aim to test printing, microfilming, travel, video production, storage and distribution, and publishing services. Planning is well under way. Each project is setting its own specific timetable for the main milestone stages within the overall programme.

Mr. Wilshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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.

Miss Widdecombe

Whether or not the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE) and the EC Acquired Rights Directive 77/189/EEC will apply to an individual case depends on the facts of that case; and there are a number of tests to be applied. For example, it needs to be shown that an undertaking or part of an undertaking is actually being transferred. We are seeking the advice of our legal advisers about the relevance of TUPE on a case by case basis.