PMQT Written Answers – 14 February 1997

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 14th February 1997.

PRIME MINISTER:

Children’s Services Strategy Group

Mr. Thurnham: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) of 28 January, Official Report, column 161, how he will monitor the performance of the children’s services strategy group; how long the group has been in existence; how often it meets and under whose chairmanship; and what guidelines have been issued to Government Departments on the status of the group’s advice.

The Prime Minister: The children’s services strategy group first met in September 1996. It is likely to meet four to five times a year and its next meeting is scheduled for March. The group is chaired by Department of Health officials who lead on policy for children’s services. There are no plans to monitor the group formally, although Department of Health Ministers will be taking a close interest in its work. The group has not issued guidelines to other Government Departments. It is there not to issue formal advice but to co-ordinate and inform the development of policy relating to children in all areas represented by its membership.