§ Sir Raymond PowellTo ask the Prime Minister if he will list each Government review currently taking place which affects Wales; and in each case, if it is intended to be completed before the proposed date for elections to the Welsh Assembly. [33701]
§ The Prime MinisterMy Government have in place a wide programme of reviews which are intended to underpin their work, and that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales in particular, in extending democratic accountability; increasing economic prosperity and improving the quality of life for people throughout Wales; and realising Wales's potential within the UK, Europe and the wider world.
664WA summary of the reviews being undertaken currently by the Welsh Office is as follows:
Welsh Office Reviews To be completed before Assembly Elections Health Review of Health Authority allocation formula Yes Review of NHS Capital Charges Yes Review of Health Promotion arrangements in Wales Yes Location of various activities of the Welsh Health Common Services Authority after 999 Yes Review of the number and configuration of NHS Trusts in Wales Yes Education Review existing exemptions from Statutory requirements to teach Welsh at Key Stage 4 in 10 secondary schools Yes Review the National Curriculum taught in Wales and examine options for slimming down the curriculum taught in primary schools Yes Review of the role of the Welsh Language Board in Welsh language education Yes Planning Review of Opencast Coal Planning Policy Yes Review of Minerals Planning Guidance No Review of Planning Guidance (Wales) Planning Policy No Review of Planning Guidance (Wales) Unitary Development Plans No Local Government Review of the arrangements for ensuring democratic accountability of local government, the conduct of elected members and officers and the systems for financing local services and promoting Best Value Yes Transport Fundamental Review of transport policy including review of the Welsh trunk road programme; the development of an integrated transport policy; buses; regulation of the railways Yes Social Services Review of Purchasing Requirements for, and provision of, Drug and Alcohol Residential and Community Facilities in Wales Yes Agriculture Review of the Habitat Scheme Yes Review of the Meat and Livestock Commission Yes Common Agricultural Policy Administration Study Yes Finance Comprehensive Spending Review Yes