§ 94. Mr. WattsTo ask the Minister for the Civil Service how many Civil Service agencies have now been announced; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceFive executive agencies have now been established following the launch last week of the National Weights and Measures and Warren Spring Laboratories. Around 30 more have been announced as candidates.
§ Mr. WattsIn thanking my right hon. Friend for that encouraging reply about progress so far, may I ask him to tell the House what other candidates are at present under active consideration, and when he will be in a position to make a further statement?
§ Mr. LuceI am grateful to my hon. Friend. I have undertaken to give regular reports to the House on the 656 progress of Civil Service agencies. Within the next two or three months there should be statements about a number of other areas, including the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre, the Department of Social Security's resettlement units and the employment services. There may, of course, be others, too.