§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what role is envisaged for(a) drug enforcement and (b) drugs policy in the new National Tax Agency. [166108]
§ John HealeyCustoms border detection staff will become part of the new combined Customs and Inland Revenue department and will continue to enforce as now the full range of import/export prohibitions and restrictions at the frontier including in respect of drugs.
382WThe policy work in respect of the full range of controls, it exercises at the frontier will also remain with the new department.
§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the objectives are of the modernisation plan being implemented by the Office for National Statistics: what the expected date of completion of implementation is; if he will make a statement on progress; and what the estimated cost is. [164747]
§ Mr. BoatengThe information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
Letter from Len Cook to Mark Hoban, dated 19 April 2004:
As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question concerning what the objectives are of the modernisation plan being implemented by the Office for National Statistics; what the expected date of completion of implementation is; and what the estimated cost is. (164747)
The ONS was created in 1995 from the merger of three smaller organisations. The new organisation inherited:
Different computer systems that are not fully compatible with each other and which are gradually becoming out-of-date and difficult to support.
Different statistical tools requiring a large quantity of software licenses and support.
Different methodologies and practices.
The objective of the Modernisation Programme is to relocate these disparate systems into a robust, shared and enduring technical environment, supported by an agreed set of common statistical tools and methods. Where necessary, this process will involve the redesign of statistical systems to ensure that the quality, accessibility and efficiency benefits are optimised. This will increase the value of ONS's statistics and also improve the service it can offer to customers.
>In the Spending Review 2002, Her Majesty's Treasury allocated £75 million over the period 2003–04 to 2005–06. Completion of the work package associated with this funding is therefore expected in 2006, although it is likely that further modernisation activity will take place in later years. The £75million allocation included £5million for 2003–04 to begin work, and undertake detailed planning and preparation, which has been done.