To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many agencies were sponsored by his Department or its predecessor in (a) 2007-08 and (b) 1997-98. (228503)

The ‘Next Steps Report 1997' (Cm3889) provides information on all Executive agencies as at 31 December 1997. Copies are available from the Library of the House. The most up-to-date list of Executive agencies is published in the Cabinet Office publication “The List of Ministerial Responsibilities”. The latest version, incorporating recent ministerial changes, will be published shortly. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House.