§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Prime Minister if he will set out the title of each report published to date by the Performance and Innovation Unit, stating in each case the cost implications of the recommendations made. [101179]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The Performance and Innovation Unit has published three reports to date:
Encryption and law enforcement", published in May 1999;e-commerce@its.best.uk", published in September 1999; andRural economies", published in December 1999.For the e-commerce project, it was considered that most recommendations could be implemented within existing resources, although reprioritisation of resources would be 502W needed in some areas. The project team recommended further work to look at the full resource implications and the scope for private/public sector partnerships.
The encryption and law enforcement project recommended the setting up of a technical assistance centre to help law enforcement agencies. The detailed cost implications of this and other recommendations are being assessed by other Departments, in particular the Home Office and HM Treasury.
The Rural Economies report raised a range of issues for discussion which are being taken forward by the Rural White Paper Team, in the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.
Copies of all three reports are available in the Library.
Dr. Tony WrightTo ask the Prime Minister what reports have been prepared by the Performance and Innovation Unit; and which of these have been published. [103130]
§ The Prime MinisterI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have given to the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster) today and to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bath on 14 December 1999,Official Report, columns 111–12W.