FUTURE OF THE CHILD BENEFIT CENTRE IN WASHINGTON

That this House condemns the decision to privatise the Child Benefit Centre in Washington, Tyne and War, and the fact that this decision was made without any consultation with the 1,800 civil servants affected; recognises that the Centre has met every efficiency target set by the Secretary of State and has been awarded a Charter Mark in recognition of the excellent service delivered; and calls on the Secretary of State to meet urgently with the staff of the Child Benefit Centre to ascertain and respond to their views and to take immediate steps to allow their concerns about their working conditions and future employment, preferably by withdrawing his ill-considered proposals.