HC Deb 26 July 1988 vol 138 cc160-1W
Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Prime Minister what topics have been covered in the efficiency unit's scrutiny programme in the last financial year.

The Prime Minister

The 1987–88 programme of scrutinies carried out in association with Sir Robin Ibbs and the efficiency unit included:

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  • Enforcement of Milk and Dairy Regulations

Her Majesty 's Customs and Excise

  • The London Problem

Ministry of Defence

  • Arrangements for financing the British Forces in Germany
  • Non-nuclear Research Establishments as an agency

Department of Employment

  • Enterprise Allowance Scheme

Department of the Environment

  • Planning enforcement appeals

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  • FCO/DS administration and support services
  • Local budgets

Department of Health and Social Security

  • Social Security Regional Organisation

Inland Revenue

  • Procedures in the Enforcement Office
  • Scheme for the sub-contractors in the construction industry

Department of Health and Social Services (Northern Ireland)

  • Social security fraud

Scottish Office

  • Historic buildings and monuments

Department of Transport

  • Management of property purchased for road schemes
  • Local roads capital expenditure

Welsh Office

  • Cash releasing cost improvement programme in the NHS in Wales

Several of these are continuing. Further topics for scrutinies are being discussed with Departments.

Other scrutinies are being conducted alongside the central programme according to scrutiny disciplines and with guidance from the efficiency unit. These are:

Department of Health and Social Security

  • Printing and publications (postponed from 1986–87)

Metropolitan Police

  • Traffic wardens
  • Staff suggestions
  • Special Constabulary

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