§ Mr. ThomasonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has completed an evaluation of the charterline pilot scheme.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have completed an evaluation of the charterline pilot scheme which ended on 31 March 1994. The pilot study has shown that people need more information about how to contact their public services. A number of proposals to meet this need have been identified during the charterline pilot. We are using the charterline database to work with the Royal Mail to produce a series of directories which will help people to contact their public services. We are also working similarly with BT and Thomson Directories. I do not propose therefore to continue the charterline service. In addition, we are working with organisations providing local services to produce information posters which will display helpline numbers and local information. We will continue to give priority to assisting others, such as the BBC, to develop their own helplines.
In line with the provisions of the code of practice on access to Government information, copies of the evaluation report and the research conducted before and during the pilot study have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. A copy of the evaluation report has been sent to each public service organisation participating in the pilot study.