For local authorities, the evaluation of state-regional plan contracts is governed by a 1993 circular. The procedure is initiated at regional level, by a sort of regional evaluation subcommittee. The subcommittee chooses the programmes to be evaluated and writes the terms of reference of the evaluations. Within this framework, the Planning Commission's r le is to provide methodological support. This mechanism is very flexible and controlled entirely at local level.
Parliament still seems reluctant to provide itself with bodies charged specifically with evaluation.
It is true that in 1984, the Parliamentary Office for Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices was created, and during the 1990s the Office for Evaluation of Legislation came into being. However, the theoretical consensus in favour of improving the information available to Parliament ran into strong practical resistance up until 1996, in particular when this involved setting up a body common to both assemblies. Much more than precise quantification and evaluation, the office seems to bring about general studies intended to clarify the political debate. However, the various reports of meetings of the Office testify to the nature of the activity undertaken in 1998. Its r le consists essentially in deciding which topics evaluation should cover, to define exact terms of reference, to negotiate with external providers and to adopt the results of this work.