Written question asked by Martyn Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 14 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 15 December 2000. It was answered by Baroness Jowell (Labour) on Friday, 15 December 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, when his Department will conduct a quinquennial review of the Employment Service.

Answer: Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when his Department will conduct a quinquennial review of the Employment Service. [143500] Ms Jowell: In March this year my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced plans to develop a brand new agency which will provide a single point of access for advice on looking for work and accessing benefits. The new agency will draw together the Employment Service and those parts of the Benefits Agency dealing with people of working age. This announcement effectively overtook the quinquennial review of the Employment Service which was planned to be undertaken this year in parallel with a review of the Benefits Agency. Following consultation, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office has formally agreed to cancel the requirement for a quinquennial review of the Employment Service. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security will be making a statement about the review of the Benefits Agency.

Secondary information