§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress in establishing an executive agency under the next steps initiative to carry out the work of driver and vehicle licensing in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. AtkinsPreparations for the establishment of an executive agency to carry out the work of driver and vehicle licensing in Northern Ireland are well in hand. A chief executive (designate) was appointed on 1 March 1993. However, further consideration of the business plan for the first year of the agency's operation is required before I will be in a position to finalise targets for the450W agency which will ensure that there will be a satisfactory level of improved customer service and value for money. Accordingly, it has not been possible to establish the agency on the target date of 1 April 1993 but I hope to be in a position to announce a new date for the launch of the agency shortly.