§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement concerning recent changes to the employment conditions, terms and contracts of Metropolitan police civil staff support services; what consultation took place on those changes; how many staff are affected; what is the cost of implementing the changes with particular reference to(a) consultancy fees, (b) redundancies and (c) early retirement plans; when the changes will be fully implemented. [8882]
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 16 December 1996]I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that there has been no recent change to the 585W employment contracts of Metropolitan police civil staff. A review has been conducted of headquarters support services covering 5,000 staff. Following a two-month consultation period, proposals for a range of efficiency savings, including contracting-out services covering some 2,000 posts, have been approved by the Metropolitan police policy board. Contracts are expected to be let by mid 1998. Detailed implementation costs are not yet available.