§ Lord Harris of Greenwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether pursuant to their Answer of 17th May 1993 (H.L. WA col. 76), they are now in a position to reply to the question relating to the High Court case involving the implications of the EC Acquired Rights Directive on market testing.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)The position on prison education was set out in my Answer to the noble Lord, Lord Gainford 25th May (H.L.WA col. 11). Whether the directive will apply in other instances, will depend upon the circumstances of the particular case. In order to assist bidders in market tests, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster issued advice on the application of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 on llth March (H.L. WA col. 648). The Government remain committed to its market testing policy to ensure that through competition high quality public services are provided cost effectively.