§ Ms Christine RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the quinquennial review of the Patent Office. [120982]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonThe Government are committed to achieving better public services that are of higher quality and are more responsive to the needs of the people who use them. The services and functions provided by Executive Agencies and non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) are at the heart of this programme of continuous improvement and their effective delivery is a key element in the success of Modernising Government. Regular Agency and NDPB reviews are an important element in ensuring that we have in place the right structures to deliver the Government's agenda effectively and to provide a strong focus on improving their future performance.
The Quinquennial Review of the Patent Office, which forms part of that programme of review and continuous improvement, was launched on 27 April. Its terms of reference are:
To consider and to make recommendations regarding:First, the organisational status which would be most appropriate for the policy work and operation of the Patent Office in the future, taking into account its contribution to the objectives of the Department and of the Government as a whole, including the Modernising Government agenda, developments in the national and international legislative, regulatory and commercial environment, and the views of customers, staff, consumers and other interested parties; andSecond, whether any changes should be made to the way in which the Patent Office operates, including its aims and objectives, targets and financial controls; the scope of the activities undertaken; and whether its activities could be done more effectively.The review is to be undertaken in accordance with the latest Cabinet Office guidance, published in January 2000.The Review will be carried out by officials in the Department of Trade and Industry, with specialist advice as appropriate. The Review Team will report to a Steering 137W Group which will include two independent members and be chaired by Dr. Catherine Bell, the Director General of Corporate and Consumer Affairs. The aim will be to complete each stage of the review within three months, as recommended in the Cabinet Office guidance.
As indicated in the terms of reference, the Review Team is seeking the views of interested parties. A consultation paper is available from:
- The Patent Office Review
- Team Room 875
- 96 Victoria Street
- London SW1E 5JL
- Tel: 020 7215 1097
- Fax: 020 7215 2987
- e-mail: cca.comments@lond02.dti.gov.uk
Comments should be sent to the same address by 19 May 2000.