HC Deb 21 November 1994 vol 250 cc338-9
35. Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what inquiries from abroad the Office of Public Service and Science has received about progress with the competing for quality programme.

Mr. Robert G. Hughes

The efficiency unit has received inquiries from more than a dozen different countries on the competing for quality initiative and, in December, representatives from at least 18 countries will be attending our service for the citizen conference.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

Does my hon. Friend agree that that is recognition from yet more Governments around the world of the success of this Conservative Government's policies? Has he any news, following on from last weekend's Labour party policy statement, of when it will be altering its policy statement in that area to welcome this particular policy?

Mr. Hughes

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The United Kingdom is a leader in this field; many other countries are following what we have done. That is not surprising when £20 million of expenditure on the project produced savings last year of £135 million. The answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's question is that Labour party policy is generally one general election behind.