§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received alleging occasions of neglect of duty by the careers service inspectorate; and if he will make a statement on the course of action to be followed when such allegations are received.
§ Mr. PaiceThere has been only one such occurrence. The allegations were pursued extensively and we are satisfied there was no neglect of duty. We have every confidence in the integrity of the chief inspector and his staff.
The Department will investigate swiftly and rigorously any allegations against officials in the careers service inspectorate or elsewhere. Those making the allegations will be informed as quickly as possible of the outcome of these investigations. The precise course of action would vary according to the nature of allegations received.