STOCK QUESTIONS

The National Audit Office is considering how cost-effectively the Ministry of Defence manages its equipment and supplies to support its activities around the world. The study will look at the whole cycle of equipment and supply management,

from procurement through to storage, issue and disposal.

It will also take account of the management and support structures and improvements being undertaken to provide cost-effective inventory management. Publication is expected early in 2012.

EARLY LESSONS

The entitlement to free partirne education for all three and four year-olds in England is being studied by the National Audit Office in preparation for a report due for publication early next year. The entitlement, which has been in place since 2004, forms the Departmentfor Education's main financial intervention in the early years system. The NAO is asking whether there is sufficient information to determine whether the entitlement provides value for money. …