§ Mr. TrendTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he intends to evaluate the introduction of the Contributions Agency, in line with the next steps principles.
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI am pleased to announce that an evaluation report on the Contributions Agency has been published today. It shows clearly that the introduction of the agency has proved successful and is a sound base on which to build. The report sets out the many improvements that have resulted from agency status, both in the agency's specific areas of responsibility and in their positive impact on the work of this Department as a whole.
675WCopies of the report have been placed in the Library.
Inquiries about the report should be addressed to: Ms C. Thompson, Department of Social Security, Room 0903, The Adelphi building, 1–11 John Adam street, London WC2N 6HT.