HC Deb 22 November 1982 vol 32 cc390-1W
Mr. Eggar

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list and describe the studies from within or without his Department relating to the effectiveness of his Department together with the recommendations and action taken on those recommendations.

Mr. Peter Walker

There have been a large number of studies relating to the effectiveness and efficiency of my Department. They have included departmental and interdepartmental Rayner reviews, other special reviews and the continuing work of staff inspection, management services and internal audit staff. Full details of all these studies and the action resulting from them could be assembled only at disproportionate cost. However, amongst the studies have been:

(a) Administration of Farm Capital Grants (1979) This report recommended the streamlining of arrangements for paying capital grants to farmers, including the abandonment of Ministry approval before the investment took place. Revised arrangements of these lines are now in operation, saving over £3 million per year.

(b) Management Review (1979–80) This report recommended the streamlining of the regional office structure; the merging of two specialist Services into a new Land and Water Service; a number of reductions in senior headquarters and regional management; and various changes in headquarters organisation. The recommendations have been substantially implemented, saving more than £3 million per annum.

(c) Financial Planning and Control Systems (1981) A review by Coopers and Lybrand Associates of the Ministry's financial planning and control systems resulted in various recommendations designed to make all levels of management more accountable for the resources over which they have direct or indirect control. Following an internal study of the practical implications, my Department is now carrying out the work needed to implement the recommendations in accordance with the Financial Initiative announced in Cmnd. 8616.

In addition, my Department is subject to the full range of examinations carried out by the Exchequer and Audit Department, the results of which are reported to the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons.