§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how the Government's proposals for the future of the civil service are compatible with their commitment as announced at the TUC conference on full employment on 5 July to policies in support of reducing the current high levels of unemployment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend made it clear in his speech at the TUC conference that increasing employment depends on our competitiveness as a nation. That requires an efficient and effective public sector. The Government's proposals on the future of the civil service, set out in the White Paper published last week, Cm 2627, provide the framework for a further improvement in the performance of the civil service.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how his statement on 13 July concerning the future of the civil service will affect the completion and occupation of the new Inland Revenue offices in Nottingham; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNo.