HC Deb 08 May 2002 vol 385 cc180-1W
Mr. Russell Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Quinquennial Review of the Defence Analytical Service Agency will take place. [55339]

Dr. Moonie

The Quinquennial Review (QQR) of the Defence Analytical Service Agency (DASA) will begin this month, though some preliminary work is already under way. The aim of the review is to examine how DASA has performed since the previous QQR in 1997 and to recommend what measures should be taken in order to reinforce the agency's delivery of cost-effective services to its customers and to ensure that effective use is made of its statistical expertise and other human resources.

The review will proceed in two phases. First, a number of "framework" issues will be examined, including whether DASA is best placed as a Next Steps Agency within the Ministry of Defence to exploit its full potential and whether existing governance arrangements require adjustment. The report of this first phase of the review is expected by the end of May.

Second, the review will address, in the light of the answers to the "framework" issues, a number of questions concerned with the operating efficiency of DASA, including the development of a more appropriate relationship between other providers of statistics within Government and a review of the current organisational configuration to ensure that it is best placed to meet customer requirements both now and in the future. The report of this second phase of the review is expected at the end of August.

The review will be carried out by a small team, which will consult closely with D ASA management and other stakeholders, including DASA's customers. The MOD is interested also to hear the view of other organisations or individuals who would like to make a contribution to the review. Those wishing to do so should send their contributions to:

  • DASA QQR Team
  • Room 30, St. Giles Court
  • St. Giles High Street
  • London WC2H 8LD.