HC Deb 09 May 1994 vol 243 cc61-2W
41. Mrs. Roche

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what research his Department has carried out to find out how many people know of their rights under the citizens charter.

Mr. David Davis

It is for each public service provider to consult its users in line with the principles of the citizens charter and to provide information to users about the standards of service that they are entitled to expect. Published surveys reveal that seven out of 10 people are aware of the citizens charter.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to republicise the contents of all charters; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Davis

The provision of information is an important principle of the citizens charter. To accompany "The Citizen's Charter Second Report" a free guide called "The Citizen's Charter Report Back 1994" was published which highlighted the good progress already made and set out future commitments, as well as full details about how to obtain further information on individual services and charters. The guide has been made widely available around the country and is also published in six other languages, on audio cassette in large print and braille. Copies of the second report and the free guide were placed in the Library of the House. In addition, individual Departments, agencies and other organisations are responsible for ensuring that the standards and other information set out in their charters are made widely available to their customers.