§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what public consultation took place before setting the objectives and targets detailed in the departmental public service agreements; and if he will make a statement. [65709]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 14 January 1999]: The Government were elected on specific manifesto commitments which are reflected in the objectives and targets in the Public Service Agreements (PSAs). Departmental PSAs take account of consultation on a range of issues which has taken place since the Government were elected.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy to create an independent auditing process for the targets contained in the departmental public service agreements; and if he will make a statement. [65708]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 14 January 1999]: The Government will report annually on progress against targets in the Public Service Agreements and each department will publish further details in its departmental report. This will allow Parliament and the public to judge independently what progress has been made.