§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the savings(a) in 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02 arising from the application by his Department of Best Value. [16942]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department, with other central Government Departments, is committed to fundamental reviews of all its services in a five year programme under the better quality services initiative. A departmental review was conducted earlier this year, and the implementation of its recommendations is under way. The Department contributes to the application of Best Value in local authorities through the work of the social services inspectorate, and work on the performance management framework.