§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has for a review of the Central Office of Information. [151195]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe last comprehensive review of the Central Office of Information (COI) was carried out in 1996–97. I have decided the next review of this agency should be completed early in 2001–02 and should be started as soon as possible. It will be conducted by Cabinet Office in close consultation with the chief executive and staff of the COI, under the general direction of a steering group.
The COI is responsible for procuring communications for Government Departments and advising on media relations in the regions. This quinquennial review will follow Cabinet Office guidelines, which require the examination of prior options for the delivery of COI's services taking into account the performance of the agency and the views of its customers, suppliers and staff. It will assess the added value of COI, its role in relation to other Departments and arrangements for funding.
The standard options are: continued agency status, privatisation, abolition, merger, contracting out and market testing. Each option will be considered on its merits and the preferred option will be the one that offers best value for money.