§ Mr. DorrellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what policy reviews are currently under-way within his Department. [40591]
§ Mr. BlunkettMy Department continuously reviews its policies. The following reviews were outlined in my answer to the right hon. Gentleman's previous question on Tuesday 17 February 1998,Official Report, columns 615–16. These have been updated to reflect the latest position.
Departmental Spending Review
along with other Government Departments, the DfEE is undertaking a review of all its programmes and running costs expenditure as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), including those policies which cross Departmental boundaries. The outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review will be announced in the Summer.Review of the threshold exempting employers with fewer than 20 employees from the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
a review of the effects of the threshold exempting small employers from the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The review includes a consultation exercise which has recently ended and responses are now being considered. We will implement any change we decide upon later in the year.Review of Qualifications Appeals Systems
announced on 16 December 1997. Preliminary conclusions are now expected in June 1998.