HC Deb 10 March 2004 vol 418 cc1516-7W
Mr. Heald

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what inquiries the Strategy Unit is undertaking. [159332]

Mr. Alexander

The Strategy Unit's current projects includeAlcohol Misuse—producing an alcohol harm Reduction Strategy for England; A study of the medium to long-term issues facing the UK Fishing industry; A project on "Improving the prospects of people living in areas of multiple deprivation in England"; A project on "Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People"; A study of the long-term issues facing London and its role as the UK's capital and as a world city; A joint analytical study with the Home Office on police reform; and An analysis of the challenges raised by Countries at risk of Instability and how the UK should improve its strategic response to them.

Details of the Unit's work can be found on its website: www.strategy. gov.uk

Mr. Heald

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many(a)special advisers and (b)staff in total are employed in the Strategy Unit. [160028]

Mr. Alexander

(a)No special advisers are employed in the Strategy Unit. (b)There are currently 79 members of staff employed in the Strategy Unit.

Mr. Heald

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what assessment he has made of the impact of the Strategy Unit; and if he will make a statement; [160029]

(2) how many projects have been undertaken by the Strategy Unit (a)in the last 12 months and (b)since it was established; if he will make an assessment of their impact; and if he will make a statement. [160032]

Mr. Alexander

The Strategy Unit carries out long-term strategic reviews and policy analysis across a range of areas. It works with departments to improve strategic capability across government.

The Government Chief Social Researcher's Office, which is based in the Strategy Unit, also provides strategic leadership to social research across departments.

Details of the Strategy Unit's work can be found on its website www.strategy.gov.uk.

Mr. Heald

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people have been employed on each project undertaken by the Strategy Unit since its inception. [160031]

Mr. Alexander

The Strategy Unit was formed in June 2002. Strategy Unit staff work across a number of project issues. Staff numbers usually average between 70 and 90 depending upon the workload.