§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the timetable for the establishment of the Scottish Office superannuation division as a "next steps" agency; and whether both the administration and the policy side of the division will be incorporated within it;
(2) if he will place in the Library the framework document for the establishment of the Scottish Office superannuation division as a "next steps" agency;
(3) if he will make a statement on his reasons for setting up the Scottish Office superannuation division as a "next steps" agency; what measures he will take to protect the standards of service provided by the superannuation division; and what will be the performance criteria for the agency.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 30 June 1992]: The Government's declared policy under its "next steps" programme is that units within government carrying out executive functions should be established as agencies operating within frameworks which enable them to improve their performance. Key aims of the programme are to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the agencies and the standard of services which they provide.
The Secretary of State announced on 6 March, Official Report, column 335, that the Scottish Office superannuation division is to be established as an agency by the autumn. A firm date will be announced as soon as possible. The new agency will assume all the functions undertaken at present by the superannuation division, including advising Ministers on policy issues. The framework document under which the agency will operate will include a clear statement of its functions and responsibilites. It will 679W be published on the launch of the agency and a copy will be placed in the Library. Performance criteria arid key performance targets will also be published at that time.