§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress has been made in improving the efficiency of the Central Office of Information following his announcement in November that it would remain as a next steps agency. [29752]
§ Mr. FreemanFollowing an efficiency report by Kinsley Lord, I have agreed a substantial programme of efficiency improvements and restructuring of the COI, which will in future concentrate on procurement rather than the direct provision of services. This programme is being carried forward by the chief executive, and is due to be completed by April 1997. But in view of the fact that the current chief executive is due to retire shortly, I am setting in train the process of appointing by open competition a new chief executive, who will have the responsibility of carrying forward the programme of change and ensuring the continuation of the valuable service provided by COI.