§ 8. Mr. Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne, Central)What new powers he is proposing for executive agencies. [58920]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr. Peter Kilfoyle)The levels of delegation to agency chief executives under the next steps initiative are a matter for the Minister to whom he or she reports and will vary according to the size and function of the agency. The Government's general approach is to encourage initiative within a clear framework of targets and delegations set by the responsible Ministers.
§ Mr. CousinsWill the programme for the modernisation of the state that the Government have in hand include allowing agencies to raise money sensibly, to act as beacon public enterprises and to be fairly and directly responsible to Parliament?
§ Mr. KilfoyleWe are looking at all available options with respect to the functions of the agencies. It is a matter for constant review. Recently, there was a conference of the chief executives of the agencies to explore some of the points raised by my hon. Friend.