HC Deb 24 July 1997 vol 298 cc736-7W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if she will make a statement on the implications of the PFI for public service employees; [9770]

(2) if the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 apply to staff involved in a project under the PFI. [9773]

Mr. Paul Murphy

If the outcome of a PFI is the transfer to the private sector of an undertaking—within the meaning of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981—TUPE will apply.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to establish a Northern Ireland consultative forum of employers, trade union and Department of Education, Northern Ireland representatives to examine the application of the PFI in the education sector in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [9800]

Mr. Worthington

The Department of Education has already consulted widely about the application of PFI in the education sector, and will continue to do so. I have no plans to establish a consultative forum for this purpose.