HC Deb 03 May 2000 vol 349 cc109-10W
Mr. Lansley

To ask the Prime Minister what the Government have done to implement the findings of the Performance and Innovation Unit in respect of(a) the rural economy, (b) e-commerce, (c) management of cross-cutting policies and (d) analysis and modelling in central Government. [119952]

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 20 April 2000]: The Government take the implementation of the conclusions of Performance and Innovation Unit reports very seriously. Where appropriate, project reports contain implementation plans, including lead responsibilities and timetables for action.

In respect of each of the reports the hon. Member refers to:

  1. (a) Rural economies—the report, "Rural Economies", was published in December 1999 and invited comments on a number of issues for discussion. These are being considered as part of the work on the Rural White Paper;
  2. (b) e-commerce—the report e-commerce@itsbest.uk was published in September 1999. The e-Minister and e-envoy are charged with taking forward the recommendations. A detailed implementation plan is published on the e-envoy's website (www.e-envoy.gov.uk) and updated monthly.
  3. (c) cross-cutting policies—the report "Wiring it up: Whitehall's Management of Cross-cutting Policies and Services" was published in January 2000. My right hon. Friends the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Minister for the Cabinet Office have been asked to submit a progress report by early 2001;
  4. (d) analysis and modelling—the report "Adding it up: Improving Analysis and Modelling in central Government" was published in January 2000. A group chaired by the Head of the Government Economic Service is overseeing progress with implementation.

Copies of these reports are available in the Libraries of the House.

Mr. Lansley

To ask the Prime Minister what subjects are currently being examined by the Performance and Innovation Unit. [119954]

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 20 April 2000]: The Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) is currently undertaking the following projects: the Post Office network; Trade and Social, Health and Environmental Objectives on the Global Stage; the Pursuit and Seizure of Criminal Assets; Strategic Options for the Electronic Delivery of Government Services; and Effective Leadership in Delivering Public Services. The PIU is also providing support to the review of adoption. The completed project on Active Ageing was published on 27 April.