Dr. Tony WrightTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will publish a list of (1) task forces and (2) policy reviews established by his Department since May 1997 which(a) had external members recruited by way of public advertisement, and details of any person so appointed and (b) engaged in public consultation exercises, and the form that these took. [74469]
897W
§ Mr. KilfoyleMost task forces and reviews are short-term bodies established to give thorough consideration to important and difficult issues. External members are invited to sit on some reviews and task forces because they are able to contribute specific experience and expertise. In such cases, public advertising would often be inappropriate and disproportionate.
Since 1 October 1998, appointments to those task forces which qualify for classification as advisory non-departmental public bodies have come within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Review Review of Quangos A consultation paper was published and the Government consulted widely on the proposals contained in that paper (for making 'quangos' more open, accountable and effective). Copies of the consultation paper were sent to all MPs, all local authorities and all 'quangos'—as well as to key academics and interested members of the public. The consultation paper was also published on the Internet and Internet users were able to e-mail comments direct to the review team. Responses to the consultation paper were published and copies placed in the Libraries of the House. Review of Existing Drugs Strategy Consultation was held with a wide range of key professionals, organisations and key population groups—eg Drug Action Teams, young people, teachers, parents, drug mis-users, via meetings, visits and conferences, correspondence and an Internet e-mail address. The strategy document was published as a White Paper "Tackling Drugs to build a Better Britain" (Cm 3945) on 27 April 1998. Review of the Women's National Commission Consultation was held with women's organisations through correspondence and meetings. Copies of the Review's Report were placed in the Libraries of the House. Review of the Charter Programme A consultation paper was issued on 16 September 1997 to wide range of organisations and individuals—also made available on the Internet. Responses to the consultation paper were published and copies placed in the Libraries of the House. The Review of Export Promotions Extensive consultation was held with members of the export community. Written and oral submissions were taken; meetings were held with individuals and groups.