HC Deb 30 November 2000 vol 357 cc743-4W
Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Quinquennial Review of the Insolvency Service Agency will be completed within the six month time scale. [140233]

Dr. Howells

Stage 1 of the Quinquennial Review of the Insolvency Service was completed in September. Stage 2 will commence following the announcement of the Stage 1 report, and is expected to be completed within three months.

Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultation arrangements he proposes between the Insolvency Service Agency and the relevant trade unions to discuss Stages I and II of the Agency Quinquennial Review; and when this consultation will(a) take place and (b) be concluded. [140236]

Dr. Howells

The relevant trade unions and staff have been consulted by the Quinquennial Review Team as part of the Stage 1 review, in accordance with the Cabinet Office Guidance on the conduct of Quinquennial Reviews. When ministerial decisions have been reached and announced, the Insolvency Service will discuss the implementation of the conclusions of the Quinquennial Review with the relevant trade unions through the normal Whitley channels. As in Stage 1, the relevant trade unions will be invited to meet the Quinquennial Review Team to discuss Stage 2 issues when the Review Team begin their work. This will follow the announcement of the Stage 1 report.

Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place a copy of the Stage I Quinquennial Review report for the Insolvency Service Agency in the Library. [140234]

Dr. Howells

A copy of the Stage 1 Quinquennial Review Report will be placed in the Library of the House when the Stage 1 Report is announced to the House.

Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when(a) the Insolvency Service Agency trade union side and (b) members of staff in the Insolvency Service will be informed of the results of Stage I of the Agency Quinquennial Review. [140235]

Dr. Howells

The Insolvency Service Agency Trade Union Side and staff will be informed of the results of Stage 1 of the Insolvency Service Quinquennial Review when recommendations have been agreed by DTI, HM Treasury and Cabinet Office Ministers, and the report has been announced to the House. The Quinquennial Review report was presented to Ministers on 27 October 2000. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.