CITB and ECITB: Quinquennial Review

HL Deb 11 March 2003 vol 645 c180WA

Lord Hughes of Woodside

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When will they begin the quinquennial reviews of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB). [HL2081]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)

In accordance with the Government's policy of conducting quinquennial reviews of all non-departmental public bodies, my department is today beginning reviews of the industrial training boards, CITB and ECITB. Following Cabinet Office guidelines, the terms of reference for the first stage of the review will be:

To review the functions of the boards, and the likely need in the future for these functions;

To consider whether some or all of the functions can be better performed through other means;

To review the efficiency and effectiveness of the boards in carrying out their functions;

To consider the powers, terms of reference, constitutional status, membership and activities of the boards;

To ensure initial findings are available for consideration in and, if appropriate, incorporation into, the Government's skills strategy;

To report the outcome of Stage 1 of the review by June 2003.

We should welcome comments on those matters to be covered by the reviews from all those with an interest in the work of the CITB and ECITB. Comments, which may be made public unless respondents specifically request otherwise, should be sent by 30 April to:

Anne Donkin

Department for Education and Skills

E4c

Moorfoot

Sheffield S1 4PQ

or by e-mail to: [e-mail]

We have asked that this first stage of the review should be completed by 27 June 2003.