HC Deb 28 February 1995 vol 255 cc479-80W
Ms Mowlam

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what documentary evidence there is to show how successful has been the application of (1) policy appraisal and (2) fair treatment to the Industrial Development Board.

Mr. Ancram

Revised Government guidelines on the policy appraisal and fair treatment initiative, which came into effect in January 1994, contain provisions for an annual report. The first report is currently being prepared and will include reports on individual Departments. The Department of Economic Development's report will cover the Industrial Development Board.

Ms Mowlam

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to evaluate the implementation of the policy appraisal and fair treatment scheme and the targeting social need scheme; and what documentation on the results of the schemes is available.

Sir John Wheeler

Annual reports will be published on the implementation of the policy appraisal and fair treatment initiative. The first is currently being prepared. During 1994, the Department of Economic Development commissioned management consultants to undertake a review of how the objectives of targeting social need related to those of the Department and its agencies. Their report made a number of recommendations, which are currently being implemented. A summary of these recommendations will shortly be published in a DED strategy review and I will ensure that the hon. Lady receives a copy.

Ms Mowlam

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the contribution of(a) policy appraisal of fair treatment and (b) targeting social need to the creation of employment opportunities for women.

Mr. Ancram

The aim of the policy appraisal and fair Treatment initiative is to ensure that issues of equality and equity condition policy making and action in all spheres and at all levels of Government activity in Northern Ireland. It is not directly concerned with the creation of employment opportunities.

Targeting social need is a public expenditure priority established to ensure that resources are directed towards areas identified as socially and economically disadvantaged and that community differentials are thereby reduced. No assessment has been made of the effect of TSN specifically on employment opportunities for women.