§ 78. Mrs. GormanTo ask the Minister for the Civil Service what recent representations he has received regarding the candidatures of passport offices to become next steps agencies.
§ Mr. LuceThe Passport Office is one of the 42 announced candidates for agency status. The main aim of the next steps initiative is to deliver Government services more efficiently and effectively, within available resources, for the benefit of taxpayers, customers and staff.
§ Mrs. GormanAs we approach the season of cherry blossom, Easter holidays and Passport Office strike 19 mayhem, will my hon. Friend consider bringing into the discussion some of the private organisations that are well experienced at making the necessary checks for the credit agencies and the banks, on the grounds that they turn round applications, having made all necessary checks, within a maximum of 10 days and at a cost of less than £2 an inquiry? Will my right hon. Friend give me his opinion on that possibility?
§ Mr. LuceMy hon. Friend will be aware that although it is primarily the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary, plans are well advanced for the establishment of an agency within the passport service. However, my right hon. and learned Friend has made it plain that he will use relevant private sector expertise where that would help to improve standards of service. Of course, the decsion to establish an agency, along with all the other agencies that we now have, is to help to improve services to the public. I hope that my hon. Friend will welcome that.