§ Mr. GallieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has reached a conclusion on the prior options study of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, and if he will make a statement. [36158]
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe prior options study has systematically and thoroughly examined the various options for reform of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. I am satisfied that the scope for possible alternative options for the delivery of functions currently undertaken by the agency has been carefully considered1130W and I have concluded that the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency should remain an executive agency for the next five years. The aims and objectives set for SFPA in the initial framework document were robust and sufficiently clear to be testable. The agency's framework document is now being reviewed and will take account of an evaluation of the agency's performance since launch, which was completed in May 1994. This concluded that the trend in the performance of the agency had been upwards and its targets for 1993–94 were substantially achieved. Further information about the agency's performance will be contained in the 1995 annual report.