HC Deb 18 March 1998 vol 308 cc663-4W
Sir Raymond Powell

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list each Government review currently taking place which affects Wales; and in each case, if it is intended to be completed before the proposed date for elections to the Welsh Assembly. [33701]

The Prime Minister

My Government have in place a wide programme of reviews which are intended to underpin their work, and that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales in particular, in extending democratic accountability; increasing economic prosperity and improving the quality of life for people throughout Wales; and realising Wales's potential within the UK, Europe and the wider world.

A summary of the reviews being undertaken currently by the Welsh Office is as follows:

Welsh Office Reviews To be completed before Assembly Elections
Health
Review of Health Authority allocation formula Yes
Review of NHS Capital Charges Yes
Review of Health Promotion arrangements in Wales Yes
Location of various activities of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority after 999 Yes
Review of the number and configuration of NHS Trusts in Wales Yes
Education
Review existing exemptions from Statutory requirements to teach Welsh at Key Stage 4 in 10 secondary schools Yes
Review the National Curriculum taught in Wales and examine options for slimming down the curriculum taught in primary schools Yes
Review of the role of the Welsh Language Board in Welsh language education Yes
Planning
Review of Opencast Coal Planning Policy Yes
Review of Minerals Planning Guidance No
Review of Planning Guidance (Wales) Planning Policy No
Review of Planning Guidance (Wales) Unitary Development Plans No
Local Government
Review of the arrangements for ensuring democratic accountability of local government, the conduct of elected members and officers and the systems for financing local services and promoting Best Value Yes
Transport
Fundamental Review of transport policy including review of the Welsh trunk road programme; the development of an integrated transport policy; buses; regulation of the railways Yes
Social Services
Review of Purchasing Requirements for, and provision of, Drug and Alcohol Residential and Community Facilities in Wales Yes
Agriculture
Review of the Habitat Scheme Yes
Review of the Meat and Livestock Commission Yes
Common Agricultural Policy Administration Study Yes
Finance
Comprehensive Spending Review Yes

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