§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the methods by which public accountability of the Forward Strategy Unit is achieved. [15880]
§ The Prime MinisterThe unit reports direct to me and is headed by Geoff Mulgan, who is also Director of the Performance and Innovation Unit in the Cabinet Office.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister (1) what the purpose of the Forward Strategy Unit is; and what its aims, objectives and workplan are for(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; [15884]
(2) what mechanism exist to prevent the use of the Forward Strategy Unit for party political purposes; and what independent checks exist to ensure such mechanisms are effective. [15886]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Forward Strategy Unit's role is to provide long-term internal strategic analysis and policy thinking for me and other Cabinet Ministers.
The work of the Forward Strategy Unit is undertaken in line with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Code.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister in respect of the Forward Strategy Unit, what the budget is for(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03: and how many (i) officials and (ii) special advisers are presently deployed to this unit. [15883]
§ The Prime MinisterThe budget for the Forward Strategy Unit is still being finalised.
At 1 September 2001, there were 15 civil servants in the unit, and no special advisers.