§ Baroness Elliot of Harwoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the present position on recommendations made in the efficiency scrutiny report on the service for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages in England and Wales.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleOn 17th February my predecessor told the House that three of the scrutiny's 47 recommendations were being rejected, and that priority was being given to those of the remainder which would not require principal legislation. The Government have now reviewed the position and intend to legislate along the lines of the scrutiny proposals in the present Parliament, should a suitable opportunity occur. To that end, consultations have been opened with the local authorities, staff representatives and other interested parties both on the scrutiny recommendations and on other related changes which may be pursued in order to make the registration system more efficient, up-to-date and responsive to public demand.