§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what changes have been made to the remit of Foresight panels since 1 May 1997. [50018]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 20 July 1998]: None. Panel activities are currently based on action plans developed in the early part of last year and for the most part published before 1 May 1997. These focus in particular on action to engage business at all levels, including SMEs, and to promote cross working between Panels. This, in turn, is one of a range of initiatives designed to raise the profile of the Foresight Programme, both generally and within Government under the overall direction of the Ministerial Foresight Group. The progress report published in June describes the advances which have been made since the Foresight Audit was carried out last summer. Copies of the progress report are available in the Library of the House.
Decisions on the scope and structure of the next round of Foresight will be taken shortly. The proposals currently out to consultation suggest, however, that there should be a new focus on themes relevant to quality of life as well as wealth creation and that issues such as education skills and training and sustainable development should be on the agenda of all Panels. The proposals also underline our intention to broaden the basis of participation in Foresight, in particular by encouraging contributions from young people and from individuals, SMEs and organisations with specialist expertise to offer.