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Xenotransplantation: Regulation
Lord Currie of Marylebone asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they will publish the responses to the consultation exercise held last year on Animal Tissue into Humans report of the Advisory Group on the Ethics of Xenotransplantation.[HL3262]
Baroness Hayman: We are making the responses available and announcing our action on the regulation of xenotransplantation today. Fifty one responses were received. Two respondents asked that their responses be kept confidential. All other responses are being made publicly available through the Department of Health, Scottish Office, Welsh Office, Northern Ireland Office and the Library.
Breast Cancer: Radiotherapy (START) Trial
Lord Ironside asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether the randomised clinical trial (START), designed to establish whether or not fraction sizes greater than 2 Gy lead to improved results in radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer, has begun; what the total cost of the trial is expected to be; how many United Kingdom Radiotherapy Treatment Centres have qualified as participants and when the trial will be completed.[HL3110]
Baroness Hayman: The United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee on Cancer Research (UKCCCR) Standardisation of Breast Radiotherapy (START) Trial has not yet begun. It is hoped to begin in the autumn.
Costs for the study are as follows:
- Main START Trial:£714,317
Radiotherapy Quality Assurance
programme:£452,177
Health economic evaluation:£9,060
We understand that 28 centres are currently waiting to be registered by the radiotherapy Quality Assurance team, which has so far visited and checked 13 of these centres.
Invalid Vehicle Service
Baroness Turner of Camden asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they have considered the consultants' report following their review of the Invalid Vehicle Service.[HL3261]
Baroness Hayman: We have considered this report carefully and decided to accept the consultants' recommendations that the Invalid Vehicle Service (IVS) should close on 31 March 2003, with help being given to drivers to take up alternative forms of transport. The scheme was closed to new drivers in 1976 and with around 720 invalid three-wheeler vehicles left on the road, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain this service. We now need to plan ahead and safeguard the interests of the remaining drivers. The long lead in period before closure will give drivers the time to look at all the options available. Those leaving the scheme will be eligible for the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance and drivers will be able to use this to switch to modern four-wheeler cars, scooters, and powered wheelchairs, possibly taking advantage of the Motability scheme. Help with driving lessons and adaptations to vehicles will be given.
Tobacco Advertising and Sponsorship
Lord Strabolgi asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they will publish the Eleventh Annual Report of the Committee for Monitoring Agreements on Tobacco Advertising and Sponsorship.[HL3260]
Baroness Hayman: We will be publishing the report shortly. Copies will be placed in the Library.
Ministerial and Departmental Meetings: Record
Lord Strathclyde asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether meetings between officials, information officers or special advisers and lobbying organisations are, under the Civil Service Code or Rules for Special Advisers or otherwise, reported to Ministers or the permanent secretary in each department; if so, whether they will publish the rules for recording such meetings; and, if not, whether they have plans to introduce routine logging of them; and[HL2931]
Whether meetings between Ministers and lobbying organisations are, under the Rules of Procedure for Ministers or otherwise, reported to the permanent secretary in each department; if so, whether they will publish the rules for reporting and recording such meetings; and if not, whether they have plans to introduce routine logging of them; and[HL2932]
Whether meetings between Ministers, special advisers, information officers or officials and lobbying organisations are logged and recorded by any Government department; and, if so, whether they will state by which ones they are recorded, in what way
- they are recorded and whether they are reported centrally.[HL2933]
The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton): There is no requirement for meetings between Ministers, special advisers or civil servants and lobbying organisations to be recorded or reported. The First Report of the Nolan Committee on Standards in Public Life expressly recommended against the establishment of a public register of lobbyists. Ministers and civil servants meet many groups who are concerned to press their own interests or those of their clients. Ministers and officials take due care to consider these representations within the wider public interest and within Government policy. In addition, some lobbyists may attend meetings with Ministers and civil servants but as part of a delegation led by an MP or outside interest group, and the information will not therefore be separately identifiable. It would not therefore be practicable to keep a register of such contacts.
H.M. Prisons: Use of Illegal Software
Lord Cope of Berkeley asked Her Majesty's Government:
- In the light of the damages recently paid in respect of the use of illegal software by one of Her Majesty's prisons, what steps they are taking to ensure that no department or agency uses illegal software in future.[HL3050]
Lord Falconer of Thoroton: It is the responsibility of the accounting officer for each department to ensure that all aspects of the business of the department are conducted with the utmost propriety.
Software does not merit any special treatment, but the noble Lord may be interested to learn that the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) is preparing to issue shortly a reminder to departments and agencies to bring legal arrangements up to date where applicable.
Negotiating Boards for Salaries and Wages: Funding
The Earl of Haddington asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Williams of Mostyn on 11 May (WA 98), what financial contribution they intend to provide to teaching, nursing, medical and civil service unions in connection with their staff side activities, in respect of their negotiating boards for salaries and wages.[HL1928]
Lord Falconer of Thoroton: No financial contributions are provided to teaching, nursing, medical or civil service unions in respect of their negotiating boards for salaries and wages. It is not proposed to make any changes to the existing arrangements. I am sorry for the delay in replying.
Asylum Seekers Sleeping Rough
Earl Russell asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether the Social Exclusion Unit has formed an estimate of the proportion of rough sleepers who are asylum seekers.[HL2898]
Lord Falconer of Thoroton: The Social Exclusion Unit has itself made no estimate of the proportion of rough sleepers who are asylum seekers. In central London during 1997-98, outreach workers funded under the Government's Rough Sleepers Initiative, recorded two asylum seekers out of more than 2,500 they worked with who slept rough at some point during that year.
Rough Sleepers Disentitled to Social Security Benefits
Earl Russell asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether the Social Exclusion Unit has formed an estimate of the proportion of rough sleepers who become homeless after being disentitled to Social Security Benefits.[HL2929]
Lord Falconer of Thoroton: The Social Exclusion Unit has itself made no estimate of the proportion of people who become rough sleepers after being disentitled to Social Security Benefits. So far as the unit is aware, the information is not available.
Special Advisers: Salaries
Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish asked Her Majesty's Government:
- In which Government departments a special adviser is paid more than the parliamentary under-secretary.[HL2946]
Lord Falconer of Thoroton: Special advisers are paid within a salary range of £24,836 to £74,954. Their salaries are negotiated individually and are confidential. All special advisers are paid more than parliamentary under-secretaries in the Commons (whose Ministerial salary is £24,273). Thirty-one special advisers are paid more than parliamentary under-secretaries in the Lords (who are paid £44,832). In line with the practice of successive Administrations it would not be appropriate to identify the Government departments where a special adviser is paid more than a parliamentary secretary in the Lords in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.
Task Forces and Reviews: Report Dates
Lord Chesham asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 12 February (WA232-247), how many additional reviews and task forces
- have been announced since that date; which of the reviews and task forces listed in that answer have reported to date; and what is the anticipated report date for all reviews and task forces which are yet to report.[HL2461]
Lord Falconer of Thoroton: Sixty-nine of the reviews and 18 of the task forces listed in Lord McIntosh of Haringey's Written Answer of 12 February (WA 232-247) have reported. Forty-eight additional reviews and seven additional task forces
have been announced in Parliament since 12 February 1998.A fully updated list of reviews and task forces notified to this Parliament since 1 May 1997 is given below, with details of their report dates. To ensure comprehensive coverage in this Answer, a trawl has been undertaken across all departments and this list therefore includes, for the first time, a number of reviews already announced to the House in the usual way since 1 May 1997.
| Review | Department | Actual Report Date | Anticipated Report Date |
| Review of the Crown Prosecution Service | Attorney General | Published 1 June 1998 | |
| Review of International Development Policy Leading to the Publication of a White Paper | Department for International Development | 5 November 1997 | |
| Review of the Department for International Development's Relationships with Civil Society Organisations Including Non-Government Organisations | Department for International Development | 30 November 1998 | |
| Review of Civil Justice and Legal Aid | Lord Chancellor's Department | Reported to Ministers September 1997. (Published October 1997) | |
| Review of Welfare Services to the Courts | Lord Chancellor's Department, Home Office and the Department of Health | Consultation Paper published 29 July 1998. Final report to Ministers Winter 1998. (Dependent on response to public consultation) | |
| Review of Enforcement of Civil Court Judgments | Lord Chancellor's Department | Report to Ministers June 2000 | |
| Study and Evaluation of Current Tax Appeals Systems | Lord Chancellor's Department | Report to Ministers September 1998 | |
| Review of Lord Chancellor's Department Funding for Marriage Support and Research Services | Lord Chancellor's Department | Report to Ministers End 1998 | |
| Review of Procedures Consequent on the Decision to Transfer or Commit Fraud Trials | Lord Chancellor's Department | Report to Ministers October 1998 | |
| Review of the UK Legislation Controlling the Disposal of Animal Waste | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | Consultation on legislation following the review expected Summer 1998 | |
| Review of the Public Analyst Arrangements Service in England and Wales | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | By end of 1998 | |
| Review of Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | By end of 1999 | |
| Review of the Future Funding of Regulatory Arrangements for Pesticides | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | December 1998 | |
| Review of the Current Rules on Quarantine of Imported Pet Animals | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | Publication expected shortly | |
| Review of the Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance Scheme | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | Outcome will be made known via a Consultation exercise, expected Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of the Home Grown Cereals Authority | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | 12 May 1998 | |
| Review of the Rates and Structure of Aid to Farmers Under the Organic Aid Scheme | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | Reported to Ministers in December 1997 and published 2 April 1998 | |
| Review of Arrangements for Enforcing the Rules on the Welfare of Animals Exported Live to the Continent | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | 27 September 1997 | |
| Review of the Milk Development Council | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | 29 October 1997 | |
| Review of Fishing Vessel licensing | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | December 1998 | |
| Review of Food from Britain | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | Shortly | |
| Review of Nitrate Sensitive Areas | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | April 1999 | |
| Review of Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Stage IV | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | June 1999 | |
| Review of Access Provisions Under the Agri-Environment Schemes | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | By the end of 1999 | |
| Review of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and Badgers | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | Krebs Committee reported December 1997 Decisions on action to be taken will follow | |
| Review of Meat and Livestock Commission | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | By end of 1999 | |
| Review of Raw Cows' Drinking Milk Policy | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | Options being considered following consultation exercises. Announcement will be made in due course | |
| Review of the Threshold Exempting Employers with Fewer than 20 Employees From the Employment Provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 | Department for Education and Employment | Report to Ministers August | |
| Review of the Qualifications Appeal Systems | Department for Education and Employment | Reported to Ministers July 1998 | |
| Review of the Bureaucratic Burden on Teachers | Department for Education and Employment | Reported to Ministers 16 January 1998 | |
| Review of the Role of TECs | Department for Education and Employment | Interim report to Ministers August 1998 | |
| Review of Pensions | Department of Social Security | Green Paper to be published later this year | |
| Reviewing of the major components of the social security system | Department of Social Security | Review on-going. Green Paper--New Ambitions for Our Country--A New Contract for Welfare--published 26 March 1998 | Further announcements in due course |
| Review of the Women's National Commission | Department of Social Security* | Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of Child Support | Department of Social Security | Review on-going. Green Paper published 6 July 1998 | Further announcements in due course |
| Review of Fraud Strategy | Department of Social Security | Review on-going. Green Paper published 13 July 1998 | Further announcements in due course |
| Review of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information | Cabinet Office | July 1997 | |
| Review of Quangos | Cabinet Office | 29 June 1998 | |
| Review of the Charter Programme | Cabinet Office | 30 June 1998 | |
| Review of the Existing Drugs Strategy | Privy Council Office | White Paper published 27 April 1998 | |
| Review on the United Kingdom's Position Under Various International Human Rights Instruments | Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Home Office | Individual decisions have been announced as made. The entire review is expected to be completed in 1998 | |
| Review of Policy Towards the Remaining UK Overseas Territories | Foreign and Commonwealth Office | Reporting timetable not yet determined | |
| Review of the Criteria Used in Considering Licence Applications for the Export of Conventional Arms | Foreign and Commonwealth Office | 28 July 1997 | |
| Strategic x Review | Ministry of Defence | 8 July 1998 | |
| Review of the Arrangements for Compensating Service Personnel (or Their Dependants) and for the Payment of Death and Invaliding Benefit | Ministry of Defence | No decision has been taken on the timing of the publication of the outcome | |
| Review of Information Services: Northern Ireland Office | Northern Ireland Office | 5 November 1997 | |
| Review of Trust Ports in Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Office | Announced to Parliament on 12 May 1998 | |
| Review of the 1993 Strategy for the Support of the Voluntary Sector and for Development in Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Office | December 1998 | |
| Review of the District Council's Community Services Programme | Northern Ireland Office | December 1998 | |
| Review of Training Centres and Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Office | Reported to Ministers May 1998 | |
| Fundamental Review of the Economic Development Strategy in Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Office | Autumn/Winter 1999 | |
| Review of the Industrial Development Support Services: Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Office | Reported to Ministers March 1998 | |
| Policy Review of the Youth Service: Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Office | Report to be published at end of September for a two month consultation. After considering comments, the review group will put proposals to the department by March 1999 | |
| The Northern Ireland Strategy on Alcohol Misuse--A Policy Development Project | Northern Ireland Office | January 1999 | |
| Review of Ambulance Provision in Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Office | April 1999 | |
| Review of Services for Acutely Ill Children | Northern Ireland Office | September 1998 | |
| Review of Cardiology Services in Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Office | December 1998 | |
| Review of Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company | Northern Ireland Office | Consultants report now under consideration. No date set for an announcement of the outcome of the review | |
| Review of the Law Relating to Surrogacy | Department of Health | Summer 1998 | |
| Review of the Evidence Relating to Silicon Breast Implants | Department of Health | 14 July 1998 | |
| Review of the Breast Screening Programme in Devon and the Implications for the Breast Cancer Screening Programme as a Whole | Department of Health | 3 November 1997 | |
| Strategic Review of Health Services in London | Department of Health | Reported to Ministers 18 November 1997 | |
| Review of the Latest Information Available on Inequalities in Health | Department of Health | Autumn 1998 | |
| Independent Review of proposals for the transfer of Bulk Blood Processing and Testing from Liverpool to Manchester | Department of Health | Interim Report given in September 1997. Final report published in April 1998. | |
| NHS Charter Advisory Group. (Review of NHS Charter) | Department of Health | Summer 1998 | |
| Review of the National Curriculum in Wales | Welsh Office | Full report to Ministers Summer 1998 | |
| Strategic Review of the Welsh Trunk Road Programme | Welsh Office | 28 July 1998 | |
| Review of the Role of the Welsh Language Board in Welsh Education | Welsh Office | December 1998 | |
| Review of the Number and Shape of NHS Trusts in Wales | Welsh Office | To Ministers October 1998 | |
| Review of Economic Regeneration in Wales Now Known as an Economic Strategy for Wales | Welsh Office | 9 July 1998 | |
| Welsh Office Review of Planning Policy for Opencast Coal Mining | Welsh Office | By the end of 1998 | |
| Proposals for Modernising Local Government | Welsh Office | 31 July 1998 | |
| Comprehensive Spending Review | Her Majesty's Treasury | 14 July 1998 | |
| Review of the North Sea Fiscal Regime | Her Majesty's Treasury | Under Review | |
| Review of Capital Gains Taxation | Her Majesty's Treasury | Announced in 17 March 1998 Budget statement | |
| Review of Charities' Taxation | Her Majesty's Treasury | Consultation Document will be issued Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of Leakage and Avoidance of Direct Taxes | Her Majesty's Treasury | Rolling review. (Initial results announced in the 17 March 1998 Budget statement) | Work is ongoing |
| Review of Alcohol and Tobacco Duties | Her Majesty's Treasury | Report published 28 July 1998 | |
| Review of the Venture Capital Trust Scheme and Enterprise Investment Scheme | Her Majesty's Treasury | Results announced in Budget statement, 17 March 1998 | |
| Review of Tax and Benefits | Her Majesty's Treasury | Taylor Report published 17 March 1998 | |
| Review of Landfill Tax | Her Majesty's Treasury | Report published 18 March 1998 | |
| Review of the Revenue Effect of a Reduced Rate of VAT for Energy Efficient Materials and Alternative Options for Targeted Relief to Help Those on Low Incomes to Save Energy | Her Majesty's Treasury | Report published November 1997 | |
| Review of Private Finance Machinery | Her Majesty's Treasury | 13 June 1997 | |
| Review of Research and Development | Her Majesty's Treasury and Department of Trade and Industry | Consultation document published 17 March 1998 | |
| Review of the Calculation of Vehicle Excise Duty for Lorries | Her Majesty's Treasury | Under Review. | |
| Further Review of the Capital Gains of Companies | Her Majesty's Treasury | Consultation document published 17 March 1998 | Ongoing consultation |
| Review of Public/Private Partnership Options for the Royal Mint | Her Majesty's Treasury | Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of Company Car Taxation | Her Majesty's Treasury | Ongoing Consultation | |
| Review of Graduated Vehicle Excise Duty for Cars | Her Majesty's Treasury | Consultation Document issued 16 June 1998 | Under Review |
| Review of Aggregates Tax | Her Majesty's Treasury | Under Review | |
| Review of Double Tax Relief | Her Majesty's Treasury | Under Review | |
| Review of Management Recruitment Incentives for High Tech Small and Medium Sized Enterprises | Her Majesty's Treasury | Under Review | |
| Review of General Anti-Avoidance Rule | Her Majesty's Treasury | Under Review | |
| Review of VAT Registration Limits | Her Majesty's Treasury | Consultation Document issued 10 July 1998 | Under Review |
| Review of VAT Group Treatment | Her Majesty's Treasury | Consultation Document issued 9 June 1998 | Under Review |
| Office and Northern Ireland Office Review to Consider Permanent UK Wide Counter Terrorism Legislation | Home Office and Northern Ireland Office | Shortly | |
| Review of the Law Relating to Bribery and Corruption | Home Office | 31 July 1998 | |
| Strategic Review of National Police Training | Home Office | Autumn 1998 | |
| Interdepartmental Review of Police Pensions | Home Office | 31 March 1998 | |
| Review of Arrangements for Confiscation of Criminal Assets | Home Office | Late Summer/Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of Firefighters Pension Scheme | Home Office | 31 March 1998 | |
| Review of Community Fire Safety | Home Office | Review to the Home Secretary October 1997 | |
| Review of Prison Nursing Services | Home Office | Subsumed into the review of the Long-term Future of Prison Services Health Care | September 1998 |
| Review of Long-term Future of Prison Service Health Care | Home Office | September 1998 | |
| Review of Prison Service Drug Strategy | Home Office | March 1998. Public report 12 May 1998 | |
| Review of Prisons Investigation Strategy | Home Office | Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of the Operation of Release of Prisoners on Temporary Licence | Home Office | Reported to Ministers in June. Outcome announced 22 July 1998 | |
| Review of Government Proposals for Youth Justice | Home Office | Outcomes will be implemented in the Crime and Disorder Bill | |
| Review of Measures to Deal With Anti-Social Behaviour | Home Office | Outcomes will be implemented in the Crime and Disorder Bill | |
| Review of Measures to Deal With Protection of Communities From Known Sex Offenders Who Pose a Continuing Risk | Home Office | Outcomes will be implemented in the Crime and Disorder Bill | |
| Review of Measures on Community Safety | Home Office | Outcomes will be implemented in the Crime and Disorder Bill | |
| Intra-Departmental Review of the Treatment of Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses | Home Office | Published 10 June 1988 | |
| Review of the Future Role of Local Civil Protection in England and Wales | Home Office | Reported to Ministers February 1998. Outcomes announced in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement, 14 July 1998 | |
| Review of the Control of Unscrupulous Immigration Advisors | Home Office | Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of Immigration and Asylum Appeals | Home Office | Consultation paper issued 13 July 1998 | |
| Working Party on Electoral Procedures | Home Office | Interim report to Home Secretary, July 1998 | Date of full report to be determined |
| Prisons--Probation Review | Home Office | Consultation Paper, to be issued shortly | |
| A Comprehensive Review of the Food Related Scientific Services in Scotland | Scottish Office | End September 1998 | |
| Review into the System of Land Ownership and Management in Scotland | Scottish Office | ||
| Review of Transport Policy In Scotland | Scottish Office | White Paper published 22 July 1998 | |
| Review of the Scottish Roads Programme | Scottish Office | Late 1998 | |
| Review of Skye Bridge Tolls | Scottish Office | Outcome announced by the Secretary of State on 4 July 1998 by press release | |
| Review Countryside Access Legislation in Scotland | Scottish Office | November 1998 | |
| Review to Identify Areas of Scotland Appropriate for Designation as National Parks | Scottish Office | Reported to Ministers in November 1997 and to Parliament on 16 December 1997 | |
| Review of the Scottish Water Industry | Scottish Office | Report to Ministers in November 1997 and to Parliament on 16 December 1997 | |
| Review of Rural Water and Sewerage Grant Scheme | Scottish Office | October 1998 | |
| Review of Gaelic Broadcasting | Scottish Office | Reported to Ministers in June 1998, Published for consultation June 1998 | |
| Scottish Enterprise Strategy Review | Scottish Office | Reported to Ministers | |
| Review of the Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland | Scottish Office | Announcement to Parliament 12 May 1998, April 1998 | |
| Review of Scottish Homes' Support for Owner Occupation | Scottish Office | Reported to Ministers in December 1997: Results announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending review in July 1998 | |
| Review of Scottish Homes' Support for Rented Housing | Scottish Office | Reported to Ministers in March 1998: Results announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending review in July 1998 | |
| Commission on Local Government and Scottish Parliament | Scottish Office | Report to the first Minister on his/her appointment | |
| Review of Scotland's Bathing Waters | Scottish Office | June 1999 | |
| A Safer Way, A Review of Community Disposals and the use of Custody for Women Offenders in Scotland | Scottish Office | Reported to Ministers in April. Results announced 13 May 1998 | |
| Scottish Interdepartmental Review of the Treatment of Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses | Scottish Office | Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of the School Placing Request System in Scotland | Scottish Office | October 1998 | |
| Planning Policy Review on Opencast Coal in Scotland | Scottish Office | October 1998 | |
| Review of Arrangements for the Supervision of Sex Offenders in Scotland | Scottish Office | Announced on 16 December 1997 | |
| Review of Domestic Violence by Scottish Partnership | Scottish Office | Interim report in April 1999 | |
| Review of Community Education | Scottish Office | September 1998 | |
| Review of Fishing Vessel Licensing Arrangements | Scottish Office | December 1998 | |
| Review of the Law and Practice of Compulsory Purchase and Land Compensation | Scottish Office | Report on phase 1 by March 1999 | |
| Review of Post Offices | Department of Trade and Industry | Autumn 1998 | |
| An Audit of the Foresight Programme which is a programme to bring together businesses, Government and academia to identify market and technology opportunities for the future | Department of Trade and Industry | Reported to Ministers 22 October 1997 | |
| Review of New and Renewable Energy | Department of Trade and Industry | By end December 1998 | |
| Review of Clean Coal Technology | Department of Trade and Industry | Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of Utilities | Department of Trade and Industry | 27 July 1998 | |
| Review of Electricity Trading Arrangements | Department of Trade and Industry | Reported to Ministers 29 July 1998 | |
| Review of Energy Sources for Power Regeneration | Department of Trade and Industry | 25 June 1998. Further announcements following consultation in the Autumn | |
| Review of Company Law | Department of Trade and Industry | March 2001 | |
| Review of Structure for Export Promotion | Department of Trade and Industry | Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of Film Policy | Department of Culture, Media and Sport | Report published March 1998 | March 1998 |
| Review of Arrangements for Celebrating the Millennium | Department of Culture, Media and Sport | June 1997 | |
| Review of the National Lottery, Leading to the Publication of a White Paper | Department of Culture, Media and Sport | White paper published 21 July 1997 | |
| Review of Policy on Admission Charging by National Museums (Now subsumed within the Comprehensive Spending Review) | Department of Culture, Media and Sport | Consultation Document published 24 July 1998 | |
| Review of the List of Nationally Important Sporting Events Which Must be Made Available on Free-to-Air Terrestrial TV Channels | Department of Culture, Media and Sport | Reported to Ministers on 20 March 1998 and announced 20 June 1998 | |
| An Independent Review of the Future of the Royal Opera House Companies and the English National Opera | Department of Culture, Media and Sport | Report published 30 June 1998 | |
| Review of Rolling Stock Leasing Market | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Reported to the Deputy Prime Minister on 17 April 1998. Results published 15 May 1998 | |
| Sustainable Production and Use of Chemicals (Formerly the "Review of Policy on Chemicals in Environment") | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Consultation document published 27 July 1998 | |
| Review of the National Air Quality Strategy | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | December 1998 | |
| Review of The Pilotage Act | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Reported to Ministers 26 March 1998 and published 28 July 1998 | |
| Review of the Water Charging System and a Review of the Water Abstraction Licensing System | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Consultation papers issued 1.4.98 and 19 June 1998 | |
| Review of UK Sustainable Development Strategy | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Late 1998/early 1999 | |
| Fundamental Review of Transport Policy | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | White Paper published 20 July 1998 | |
| Review of Compulsory Competitive Tendering Regulations and Guidance | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | 25 July 1997 | |
| Financial Management and Policy Review of the Local Government Commission | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Reported to Ministers March 1998 | |
| Review of Political Restrictions on Local Government Officers | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Became incorporated into the Consultation Paper on Modernising Local Government: A new Ethical Framework (published 7.4.98). Report will be part of the Local Government White Paper (due to be published shortly) | |
| Review of Home Buying and Selling Process. (Previously known as: "Review of the Conveyancy Process.") (Reports to the Ministerial Task Group on the Home Buying Process.) | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Pilot: January 1998 | Full Study-Autumn 1998 |
| Review of Trust Ports | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Parliamentary Report 8.12.97 | Second report August 1998 |
| Review of Railway Safety Standards Arrangements | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | End 1998 | |
| Opencast Coal: Review and Planning Policy | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Results of consultation reported to Ministers January 1998. Second stage to come | |
| Review of Waste Strategy for England and Wales | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Final Strategy to be published before the end of 1999 | |
| Financial Management and Policy Review of the UL Ecolabelling Board | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Announced 30 July 1998 | |
| Review of the Environmental Action Fund | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Reported to Ministers and the Regions. 22 July 1998 | |
| Review of the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Autumn 1998 | |
| Financial Management and Policy Review of the Audit Commission | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Summer 1998 | |
| Lord Donaldson's Review of Salvage and Intervention and Their Command and Control (Independent review on behalf of DETR and reporting direct to the DPM) | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Autumn 1998 | |
| Review of legislation Relating to Integration Within the Environment Agency and Scottish Environment Protection Agency | Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions | Early 1999 |
* This review was initiated by the Department of Social Security but will be completed in another Department
Task force Department Actual Report Date Anticipated Report Date
Ministerial Task Group on Home Buying (Linked to the review of the Home Buying and Selling Process) Lord Chancellor's Department Pilot study reported to Ministers December 1997 Final report to Ministers Autumn 1998
Careers Service Special Needs Task Force Department of Education and Employment December 1998
Disability Rights Task Force Department of Education and Employment By July 1999
Further Education Student Support Advisory Group Department of Education and Employment Reported to Minsters March 1998. Consultation Document published 19 June. Consultation ends 30.9.98
Numeracy Task Force Department of Education and Employment Reported to Ministers 11 June 1998
National Advisory Group for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Department of Education and Employment Reported to Ministers 11 November 1997
National Schools Standards Task Force Department of Education and Employment On-going group with Ministerial reports as necessary
Government Task Forces Announced Since 1 May 1997
Task force Department Actual Report Date Anticipated Report Date
New Deal Task Force Department of Eduation and Employment On-going group with Ministerial reports as necessary
Skills Task Force Department of Education and Employment Final report to Ministers due December 1998
Pension Provision Group Department of Social Security 4 June 1998
Pensions Education Working Group Department of Social Security 16 June 1998
Better Regulation Task Force Cabinet Office (5 interim reports have been published) 1st Report in September 1998
Export Forum Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department of Trade and Industry 4 November 1997
Ministerial Task Force on the Eu Presidency Foreign and Commonwealth Office No report, wound up at the end of the presidency
Panel 2000 Advisory Group Foreign and Commonwealth Office A consultation document will be published summer/autumn 1998
Northern Ireland New Deal Task Force Northern Ireland Office Ongoing group which reports as and when necessary
Independent Commission on Policing Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Office Summer 1998
NHS Charter Advisory Group Department of Health Summer 1998
NHS Efficiency Task Force Department of Health Ongoing groups which report as and when necessary
8 Regional Task Forces to Support the Waiting List Action Team Department of Health Ongoing groups which report as and when necessary
Ministerial task Force on the Government's response to the Children's Safeguards Review. Department of Health Autumn 1998
Welsh Childcare Strategy Working Group Welsh Office 22 June 1998
Education and Training Action Group: Welsh Office Welsh Office Now by April 1999
Wales New Deal Advisory Task Force Welsh Office Provides ongoing advice as and when necessary
The Working Group on the Financing of High Technology Business (Previously known as the McCullagh Group) Her Majesty's Treasury Consultation document published 17 March 1998
Private Finance Task Force Her Majesty's Treasury Set up to advance the Private Finance Initiative and Public/Private Partnerships
Task Force on Economic Instruments for Industrial and Commercial Use of Energy. Her Majesty's Treasury, Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and Department of Trade and Industry Under Review
Scottish Advisory task Force on New Deal Scottish Office Advises on ad hoc matters and does not report formally
Prestwick Task Force: To Assist in the Economic Development of Prestwick in The Light of Recent Job Losses Scottish Office October 1998
Action Group on Standards in Scottish Schools Scottish Office Advises on ad hoc matters and does not report formally
The Waiting List Support Force Scottish Office Project management/progress chasing body--does note report
President of the Board of Trade's Competitiveness Advisory Group Department of Trade and Industry Not expected to report
Competitiveness Working Parties (6) Department of Trade and Industry Reported to Ministers 6 April 1998 Government Task Forces Announced Since 1 May 1997
Task force Department Actual Report Date Anticipated Report Date
Low Pay Commission Department of Trade and Industry Reported to Ministers 26 May 1998
Interdepartmental task Force on Competitiveness in Europe Department of Trade and Industry Reported to Ministers 6 April 1998
TECH Stars Steering Group Department of Trade and Industry Not expected to report
Creative Industries Task Force: to look for ways of maximising the economic impact of British goods and services in the creative sector Department of Culture, Media and Sport Provides ad hoc advice as and when necessary
The Football Task Force. (Due to report by end 1997 on its remit to investigate, and recommend new measures to deal with, the public's concerns on issues such as racism, ticket prices, access for disabled and the increasing commercialism of football. Deadlines have been extended to allow more time for wide consultation Department of Culture, Media and Sport Separate reports will be made during 1998 on a range of issues
The Construction Task Force Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions Reported to the Deputy Prime Minister 16 July 1998
The Coalfields Task Force Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions 18 June 1998
Joint DETR/Environment Agency Task Force on Risk Assessment and Risk Management for Environment Protection Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions September 1998
Shipping Working Group to Consider Measures to Revive the UK Shipping Industry and to Increase Employment in Training British Seafarers Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions Autumn 1998
Export Group on Thaumasite Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions Autumn 1998
Urban Task Force Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions Spring 1999
A Task Force on Youth Justice: to Drive Forward the Government's Proposed Changes for Young Offenders Home Office Final report, 30 July 1998
The Prime Minister's Task Force on the Active Community Home Office The Prime Minister announced, on 26 March 1998, his intention to set up this task force. It has not yet been established. It will form part of a wider initiative and it is not yet possible to say when the task force will report
Official Group on Organophosphates Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Report published on 25 June 1998
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