HC Deb 02 July 2002 vol 388 cc225-6W
38. Ms Dari Taylor

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list his Department's responsibilities with regard to the Performance and Innovation Unit. [63755]

Mr. Alexander

As announced on 24 June, the Performance and Innovation Unitwill be brought together with the Forward Strategy Unit to form a single unit called the Strategy Unit.

The Strategy Unit will carry out long-term strategic reviews and policy analysis which can take several forms: long-term strategic reviews of major areas of policy; studies of cross-cutting policy issues; strategic audit, (eg where do the Government stand in relation to their main objectives?); and working with Departments to promote strategic thinking and improve policy making across Whitehall.

I will support the Prime Minister by taking on a ministerial sponsorship role in relation to the work of the Strategy Unit. Lord Macdonald of Tradeston is the sponsor Minister for the current PIU project on risk and uncertainty.