§ Mr. Tim Smithasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on steps which are taken to ensure the implementation of recommendations made by efficiency scrutinies.
§ The Prime MinisterA report "Making things happen: the implementation of Government scrutinies" is being published on 31 October. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House.
The report, produced by members of the Efficiency Unit, looks at the implementation of scrutinies which were conducted in Departments between 1979 and 1984 in association with Sir Derek (now Lord) Rayner and latterly Sir Robin Ibbs. The report finds that scrutinies have already saved £750 million with more to come, but that delays do occur in making decisions on scrutiny recommendations. These delays cost money.
I have accepted the recommendations the report makes for revising the scrutiny process to ensure a swifter timetable for implementation and for placing the responsibility on permanent secretaries to get results. These changes are reflected in new notes for guidance which will be published and distributed with the report.