§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [10187]
§ Mr. DewarThe following major departmental policy reviews are in progress:
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Purpose of review Review of transport policy The purpose of this review is to enable a White Paper setting out our proposals for an integrated transport policy to be published early next year. Review of the Scottish trunk roads programme The purpose of this review is to enable decisions to be taken on the future roads programme which complement our overall approach on transport policy. It is expected to be completed by summer 1998. Strategic review of Scottish Enterprise and the Local Enterprise Companies The purpose of the review is for SE, in consultation with the department, to examine their strategic objectives with a view to improving the effectiveness, responsiveness and the accountability of the enterprise network in Scotland. The review is expected to be completed during the course of the Summer.
Purpose of review Water authorities review The purpose of the review is to consider the steps which might be taken to strengthen local democratic control of the three Scottish water authorities. It is expected to be completed in November. Review of planning policy for opencast coal mining in Scotland The purpose of this review is to follow up the 10-point plan for opencasting, published in April 1997. Consultation on the issues will commence shortly with a view to completion of the review by the autumn. Housing reviews There are to be two reviews relating to housing. The first is to examine the way in which Scottish Homes supports social rented housing; the second is to review the various home ownership schemes administered by Scottish Homes. The reviews are expected to be completed by spring 1998. Best value regime in local government The purpose of the review by the joint Scottish Office/Convention of Scottish Local Authorities task force is to develop the essential elements of the new best value arrangements. The task force's first draft report was presented to the Secretary of State and COSLA on 4 July and councils will be required to assess by Autumn how far they meet the essential elements; if they wish to apply for further exemption from compulsory competitive tendering. Review of development planning in Scotland The purpose of this review is to identify aspects of the present development plan procedures which prevent effective and efficient preparation and processing of plans, and changes which could be introduced to minimise their effect. The review is due to be completed by the end of 1997. Review of further education colleges' funding methodology The purpose is to review the current arrangements for the distribution of Government grant funding for further education colleges in Scotland to determine that these efficiently and effectively support and deliver the objectives for the sector set out by Ministers and reflect appropriate funding principles; and to identify the scope for improvement in consultation with the sector. The review is presently expected to be completed in September.