§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 19 October,Official Report, column 150, what consultations he has had with the South Glamorgan health authority concerning the suspension of redundancy notice consultations to in-house catering; when he expects to confirm decisions on the legal issues raised between the health authority and the catering workers' trades unions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesSouth Glamorgan health authority has asked the Department for its views on the legal issues arising and these are now under consideration. A reply will be sent as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 19 October,Official Report, column 150, what guidance was given by his Department to Gardner Merchant by way of clarification of tender procedures and on the minimum service standards relative to previously achieved standards required to comply with (a) the terms of the contract and (b) relevant European Community law.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Department gave guidance on two specific points only in clarification of tender procedures—first, that the authority had amortised redundancy costs over the period of the contract in accordance with current guidelines; secondly, that information provided to all contractors must be accurate and current and sufficient to enable the submission of realistic tenders, that is, that all necessary details should be made readily available.