To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress in establishing an executive agency under the next steps initiative to carry out the work of driver and vehicle licensing in Northern Ireland.

Preparations for the establishment of an executive agency to carry out the work of driver and vehicle licensing in Northern Ireland are well in hand. A chief executive (designate) was appointed on 1 March 1993. However, further consideration of the business plan for the first year of the agency's operation is required before I will be in a position to finalise targets for the agency which will ensure that there will be a satisfactory level of improved customer service and value for money. Accordingly, it has not been possible to establish the agency on the target date of 1 April 1993 but I hope to be in a position to announce a new date for the launch of the agency shortly.