§ 40. Mr. FavellTo ask the Minister for the Civil Service how much of his time is spent on civil service matters.
§ The Minister of State, Privy Council Office (Mr. Tim Renton)In the past months, approximately 20 per cent., but obviously that can and would be varied in the light of any specific requirements.
§ Mr. FavellWith the establishment of next steps executive agencies, does my right hon. Friend spend more or less time on civil service matters?
§ Mr. RentonFrom my point of view, with the establishment of so many next steps agencies the difference is that I make certain that I call on the agency in any part of the country that I am visiting. That gives me the opportunity to find out how for example the employment or the HMSO executive agencies are working out and to get some first-hand idea of the successes and of the continuing challenges remaining to the agencies.
§ Mr. MaclennanWill the right hon. Gentleman take time off from his work on civil service matters to consider, wearing his other hat, the predicament of the National theatre?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Not on this question.