§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what significant changes have been introduced in terms of content and presentation in his first annual report—Cm 1506—when set against the 1990 public expenditure White Paper; what steps were taken to draw it to the attention of the media and other possible interested parties; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether his Department has any plans to develop its annual report further.
Mr. JacksonThe report shows the wide range of opportunities offered by my Department for training, enterprise, education and special help for the unemployed and the way it is promoting a fairer and safer workplace. Each part of the Employment Department group now has a separate section in the report describing its expenditure250W on programmes and services which reflects broadly the order in which the estimate for 1991–92 will be presented. This enables an easier read across to estimates than the 1990 public expenditure White Paper presentation by departmental objectives. The report introduces more detail on running costs, more detail on the impact of Europe and an account of departmental responsibilities regarding the environment. The use of colour and charts helps present the information to the general public.
Notice of the publication of my report was given a week beforehand in a written question on 29 January 1991 at col. 466. A press notice was released on the day of publication and copies of the report were placed in the Libraries of the Houses. Copies were also sent to the hon. Members for Sedgefield (Mr. Blair), for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) and for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith), and to members of the Employment, Treasury and Civil Service Committees as interested parties.
I intend to continue presenting details of my Department's plans in as helpful a way as possible.