§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will produce an updated set of tables in the same terms as those at the back of the last DSS departmental report (Cm 4614) to outline the future expenditure plans of his new Department. [373]
§ Mr. DarlingThe creation of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) brings together former Department of Social Security spending plans, less that relating to War Pensions, with those for the employment functions of the former Department for Employment and Education (DfEE) (including the whole of the Employment Service). Work is continuing to quantify precise funding, particularly in relation to administration, and full details will be published in the next Departmental Report. However, previously published information relating to benefit expenditure (to be found in the Department of Social Security Departmental Report, Cm 5115, and in additional information placed in the Library, and on 1 May 2001,Official Report, column 594W remains correct except for war pensions, which are transferred to the Ministry of Defence.
162WDWP will assume responsibility from DfEE for some £2.3 billion funding. including around £0.8 billion from the Employment Opportunities Fund. Further details are on page 148 of the DfEE Departmental Report (Cm 5102). In addition there will be transfers from DfEE in respect of headquarters staff.
DWP will also be transferring some £24 million to the Ministry of Defence in relation to the administration of war pensions, including the cost of the War Pensions Agency.