HC Deb 14 July 1994 vol 246 c738W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will consult local authorities before authorising any changes in the administration of the race relations employment advisory service or obliging market testing of the service.

Miss Widdecombe

There is no need for the Department to consult local authorities before making any changes to the administration of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service or market-testing the service. RREAS is a self-contained organisation which offers advice and guidance on racial equality in employment directly to employers in the private and public sectors. There is no reason why any changes in its administration or management should impact on the work of local authorities.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what criteria his Department is using in considering whether the race relations employment advisory service should be market tested; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The Government's policy, as set out in the White Paper "Competing for Quality"—November 1992, Cm. 1730—is to provide high-quality public services in the most cost-effective way.

Forward to