§ Ms WardTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to reform the programme of charters. [19616]
§ Mr. KilfoyleWe announced to the House on 2 July 1997,Official Report, columns 284–87, the Government's intention to relaunch the citizens charter. A consultation exercise to find out what people want from the programme ended on 21 November. We have received responses from a wide variety of sources, including consumer representative organisations; professional institutions; hospitals; local authorities; academics; and individual members of the public.
These responses will help shape the new programme, details of which will be published early next year as part of the Better Government initiative.