Privatisation

Sir John Biggs-Davison
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the catering and other services carried out by private enterprise for (a) the Northern Ireland Electricity Service, (b) the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, (c) hospitals, (d) education and library boards, (c) Government training centres and (f) other public establishments; and what other services are to be put out to contract.

Mr. Scott
Services now carried out by private enterprise include the following categories: (a) Northern Ireland ElectricityCateringCleaning servicesSecurityMaintenance(b) The Northern Ireland Housing ExecutiveCateringCleaning servicesMaintenanceSecurity(c) HospitalsMaintenanceCleaning servicesMaintenance of vehicles(d) Education and Library BoardsCateringSchool transportMaintenance and repair of musical instruments Maintenance of vehicles(e) Government Training CentresCatering(f) Other Public EstablishmentsSecurityCleaning servicesLaundryCateringMaintenancePrintingSpecialist conservation servicesMaintenance of vehiclesGrounds maintenanceCourier servicesPutting services out to contract is always an option where it is appropriate and cost effective.