HC Deb 05 April 2000 vol 347 cc524-5W
18. Fiona Mactaggart

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what her objectives are for the Civil Service in the modernising government programme. [116405]

Mr. Stringer

The Government objective is to create a modern, diverse Civil Service, which has the skills and competences to meet the challenges it will face in the 21st century. Sir Richard Wilson published his report to the Prime Minister on Civil Service Reform in December last year.

21. Mr. White

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment she has made of progress towards the Government targets for Internet access set out in the Modernising Government White Paper. [116409]

Mr. Ian McCartney

There was no specific internet access target in the Modernising Government White Paper. However, on 7 March, the Prime Minister announced that the UK would aim for universal access to the Internet by 2005. The e-Minister and e-Envoy will be reporting on progress towards this target in their first annual report in July.

22. Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what discussions she has had with(a) trade union representatives and (b) others on the modernising government programme. [116410]

23. Mr. Neil Turner

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what discussions she has had with trade union representatives and (b) others on the modernising government programme. [116411]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The Head of the Home Civil Service, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office, and I met the unions on 30 March for the official signing of the National Partnership Agreement. The Agreement sets out how the Cabinet Office and the unions will work together on matters that require corporate leadership. It outlines a shared commitment to strive for improvement and efficiency in the Civil Service.

I have regular meetings with the unions at which developments in modernising government are discussed, among other topics.

I have many other meetings and modernisation usually features positively.