§ Mr. MerchantTo ask the Secretary of Stale for Employment what were the main achievements of the Employment Service as a next steps agency in 1991–92; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinI am delighted to announce that the Employment Service met or exceeded the great majority of its performance targets in 1991–92. It helped 1.332 million unemployed people back into work; and exceeded its targets for paying benefit accurately and on time. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment has received the ES annual report and accounts for 1991–92 from the chief executive.
As a next steps agency, the ES operates under a published framework document agreed with my right hon. Friend. The start of the review of the current ES framework document, due for completion by the end of March 1993, was delayed by the general election. My right hon. Friend has, therefore. extended the life of the current ES framework document by six months. At the same time, she has extended the contract of employment of the current ES chief executive, Mr. Mike Fogden, by six months, to March 1993. My right hon. Friend has also agreed a number of technical amendments to the current ES framework document, which take effect immediately.
I have arranged for copies of the ES annual report and accounts for 1991–92 and the full textual changes to the ES framework document to be placed in the Library.