Oral Answers to Questions

Lindsay Roy Excerpts

Wednesday 24th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Maude]

We do not have a dogmatic view about exactly what form these should take. I hope there will be considerable innovation. Some will want to form joint ventures with outside providers; in other entities, the Government or whatever other state agency is the commissioning body might want to retain a stake in the organisation. There will be strong democratic worker involvement in many of them, but the key element is a degree of ownership by the employees themselves.

[Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes) (Lab)]

May I probe the Minister further on what specific advice and support the Government are offering to organisations that wish to become mutuals or co-operatives?

[Mr Maude]

A range of advice is available. The 12 pathfinder projects are supported by organisations that are able to provide support—for example, Co-operatives UK and the John Lewis Partnership, which have enormous experience in this area. The advice and support service that these organisations are putting together will be able directly to channel support and advice from organisations such as the Employee Ownership Association. That should help organisations to find the right advice for the particular circumstances of a particular group of workers.