§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each departmental policy review presently in progress or scheduled,(a) a description of the purpose of the review and (b) its expected date of completion. [10190]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Department is undertaking two departmental policy reviews. Details for each are as follows:
First, a review of the Equal Opportunities Commission is being undertaken during 1997–98. The aim is to review the functions of the EOC, the effectiveness with which they have been carried out and the likely need in the future for these functions. The review will consider the case for the continued existence of the EOC and how its functions can be best fulfilled. It will also consider the powers, constitutional status, membership and terms of reference of the EOC. The review will have regard to the Government's equal opportunities policies and to the duties of the commission as laid down in statute.
The Outcome of the review will be reported by 11 September 1997.
Secondly, a review of the Employment Service performance targets is being undertaken to ensure that the nature and level of targets set enable the ES to deliver to Ministers' priorities and have the maximum positive impact on the labour market while maintaining a high level of customer contact.
The review will report to Ministers by December of this year and will give details of the development of targets for 1998-99 and beyond.