HC Deb 05 June 1990 vol 173 cc391-2W
Mr. Knapman

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service whether there have been any additions to the list of candidates for agency status in the last five months.

Mr. Luce

During the last five months two new activities, social security contributions and the Chessington computer centre, have been added to the list of candidates for agency status. In the same period 21 candidates from the list have been set up as agencies. There are now 31 established agencies and 24 announced candidates. The project manager will continue to work with Departments to identify other suitable candidates.

Mr. Patrick Thompson

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service if there have been any new agencies set up since he last reported to the House; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

I am pleased to announce that since I last reported to the House the Ordnance Survey has been launched as an executive agency. This brings the total set up to 31, covering nearly 70,000 staff.

Mr. Ian Taylor

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service when he expects that the current list of candidates for agency status will have been converted into agencies; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

Target dates for the establishment of announced candidates as executive agencies are a matter for the Minister concerned. However, generally we continue to make good progress in implementing this initiative and I would expect that by the end of 1991 "next steps" will have been applied to at least half the civil service.