HC Deb 21 July 1998 vol 316 cc487-8W
Mr. Browne

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the forthcoming Prior Options review of the Registers of Scotland Executive Agency. [51918]

Mr. Dewar

In accordance with the Government's policy on periodic reviews of Executive Agencies, my Department will shortly commence a thorough review of the Registers of Scotland Executive Agency. The remit for this review will be as followsto carry out a prior options review of the Registers of Scotland in accordance with Cabinet Office (OPS) guidance and the agreed timetable, by

  1. (a) re-examining the status options considered before the Agency was created, in the light of experience and of any changes in internal or external circumstances;
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  2. (b) testing rigorously whether the Agency function is required at all, and the scope for privatising, contracting-out (which could include market testing), transferring the functions to another body, continuation of Agency status or transferring the functions to The Scottish Office;
  3. (c) consulting widely among the key players in the Agency (management and staff) and The Scottish Office, as well as customers, other interested bodies and other suppliers of similar services;
  4. (d) assessing each option in terms of practicability and value for money; and
  5. (e) making recommendations accordingly to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

In order to help ensure that all options are considered fully, comments from interested parties will be welcome. Comments should be sent by 30 September 1998 to the address below. The results of the Review will be published in late Spring or early Summer.

  • Mrs. E. J. Lugton
  • Civil Law and Legal Aid Division
  • The Scottish Office Home Department
  • VI Spur
  • Saughton House
  • Broomhouse Drive
  • Edinburgh EH11 3XD.