To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in applying the financial management initiative to policy work.

Since my predecessor's announcement of 10 June 1985, at column 294, Departments have made considerable improvements, particularly in evaluation. The Treasury has today published "Policy Evaluation : A Guide for Managers", which builds on the work which has been done in Departments and which sets out the approach which has been found most useful. I am arranging for copies of this guide, and of the accompanying press release which describes the background, to be sent to the hon. Member and to be placed in the Library of the House.