HC Deb 05 February 2002 vol 379 cc858-9W
Mr. Love

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will report on the outcome of the quinquennial review into the Central Office of Information. [33837]

Mr. Leslie

The quinquennial review of the Central Office of Information has shown that the COI has performed very well over the past five years. It has provided good value for money in its procurement, project management and strategic consultancy services.

The COI will continue in its present status as a Department, an executive agency and a trading fund for a further five years.

The review recommended two significant changes which will now be implemented to create two centres of excellence.

The Chief Executive of COI will have an additional role as the Government's chief adviser on marketing communications and information campaigns reporting to the Director of Communications and Strategy at No 10. This will strengthen the co-ordination and planning of departmental publicity strategies across Whitehall and changes should be in place by 1 April 2002.

COI's Regional News Network and its News Distribution Service will be transferred to the Government Information and Communication Service in the Cabinet Office. This will ensure more effective presentation of cross-departmental and regional issues while maintaining links with Government publicity and communications generally. It will also have stronger links with the Government offices in the regions to give a better service to both the regional media and the general public.

The review also recognised the importance of the need for major research studies which tackle cross-cutting issues. COI communications is in the ideal position to undertake this role.

I intend that these changes should be in place by 1 April 2002, supported by a revised Framework Document, which will be placed in the Library of the House.

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