§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions he has reached about the future of the regional service centres and the Intervention Board Agency; and what are the resulting changes in location and employment. [123897]
§ Ms QuinNo decisions have been made on the future of the Ministry's Regional Service Centres (RSCs) or the Intervention Board Executive Agency (IBEA) following the recent review of CAP scheme administration.
167WThe review concluded that we could offer a radically improved service to farmers and significant savings to taxpayers by merging the payment functions of MAFF's RSCs and IBEA and making better use of available technology. The case for restructuring, which will require new funding, is being considered in the context of the Spending Review 2000.
My right hon. Friend the Minister has made it clear that he will not implement the recommendations of the review unless he is satisfied that we will be able to deliver clear benefits to public administration and to our client groups.