§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she 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. [10184]
§ Ms HarmanThe major components of this Department's programme are being reviewed as part of the comprehensive spending review, the terms of reference of which will be announced shortly.
As my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary said in answer to a question from the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Mr. Forth) on 14 July, Official Report, column 3, we expect the comprehensive spending review to last approximately 12 months.
On 17 July I also announced a view of the central areas of insecurity for elderly people including all aspects of the basic pension and its value and second pensions including SERPS. The purpose of the review is to build a sustainable consensus for the long-term future of pensions. It will enable the Government to publish an initial framework for change in the first part of 1998. There will then be a period of further consultation before firm proposals are developed.