HC Deb 29 July 1997 vol 299 cc139-40W
Dr. Whitehead

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will ensure that the definition of the relationship between operational and policy decisions is made according to the function and framework brief of each next steps agency. [10522]

Dr. David Clark

It is the responsibility of the departmental Minister, having set the framework within which the Department's executive agencies operate, to ensure that this is reflected, as necessary, in the conduct of business. The framework documents for next steps agencies seek to set out as precisely as possible those matters assigned by Ministers to chief executives and for which the chief executives are responsible to Ministers, recognising that it is impracticable to predict every eventuality that may arise in the life span of individual framework documents.

Dr. Whitehead

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to review the regional operation of next steps agencies following the publication of proposals on the regional development agencies; and if he will make a statement. [10520]

Dr. Clark

This is a matter for the departmental Ministers responsible for individual executive agencies.

Dr. Whitehead

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will introduce guidelines requiring next steps agencies to produce key performance indicators which are comparable between agencies; and if he will make a statement. [10521]

Dr. Clark

I have asked colleagues to pay particular attention to selecting the most appropriate key performance indicators for their agencies and to setting stretching targets for them. However, most agencies produce outputs which are not directly comparable with those of other agencies. Even where similar outputs are produced, for example in those concerned with prisons, social security and public records, direct comparisons may be misleading because the agencies concerned have different customers, operate in differing social or economic environments, or work within different legislative frameworks. The Minister concerned is best placed to decide the key performance indicators taking into account individual circumstances.