HC Deb 04 March 1998 vol 307 cc1041-2
3. Mr. Mackinlay

When he expects to publish the White Paper on better government. [30866]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service (Mr. Peter Kilfoyle)

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster intends to publish the White Paper on better government later in the spring of this year.

Mr. Mackinlay

The Minister will understand that the Government's package of measures will be most welcome to the increasing number of our constituents who are bewildered by the plethora of agencies that have been created, particularly in the past 18 years. Constituents are sent from pillar to post trying to exercise their rights and get satisfaction. Will the Minister ensure that public sector unions and other representative organisations are included in the consultation process on the White Paper? Those organisations are the providers of those services, and they often—very unfairly—receive blame that should be apportioned elsewhere. There is a need for sensitivity in dealing with public sector unions, so that the White Paper and package of measures will be a success for our constituents.

Mr. Kilfoyle

To make public services more readily accessible to more people, the Government are considering many proposals, such as one-stop shops. I have been consulting public service providers, which work at the sharp end in delivering public services. Only yesterday, I consulted public service providers in Edinburgh, and we have already conducted similar exercises in London, Leeds and Southampton. I intend to continue that process in other parts of the country, to effect the fullest possible consultation with those stakeholders who work at the coal face in providing public service.

Mr. William Ross

Does the Minister agree that the democratic principle provides the basis for the best form of government in any state? Does he understand that hon. Members in my party are delighted that that standard will apply to the devolved institutions in Scotland and Wales? Do the Government intend to apply the same standards to any devolved institution in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Kilfoyle

The principles underlying attempts to effect better government apply equally in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. We shall apply the same principles of transparency, accountability and accessibility in Northern Ireland as we do elsewhere.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

I listened carefully to that answer. What importance will the proposed White Paper attach to parliamentary democracy? Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the better government White Paper should end his Government's practice, which has been established in just 10 months, of bypassing the House and making announcements via leak, press briefing and the media? What proposals will the White Paper contain to restore parliamentary democracy which has been destroyed by his Government in just 10 months?

Mr. Kilfoyle

I am sure that the right hon. Lady can anticipate my reply. I think it is a bit rich for the Conservatives, after 18 years of inspired leaks and 18 years of circumventing parliamentary due process, to make such an accusation against us. The Government will ensure that the better government White Paper does exactly what it is intended to do, which is to ensure that small businesses and citizens, who were ignored for 18 years, are given the opportunity to access government service in a simple, open, transparent and efficient way.