§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provision has been made for allocations of additional funding to Departments for redundancy costs under the market testing programme.
§ Mr. PortilloThere is no central provision specifically for redundancy costs. Within the limits set for spending on running costs, including redundancy costs, it is for Departments to decide how to allocate their administrative budget to meet their departmental priorities and objectives. Should they be unable to absorb the costs, the Treasury is prepared to look sympathetically at the scope for easing the burden of up-front redundancy costs within the limits of what can be afforded.