§ 36. Mr. Thurnhamasked the right hon. Member for Taunton, answering in respect of the Public Accounts Commission, if he will make a statement about the Commission's current work load.
§ The Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission (Sir Edward du Cann)The Commission met eight times in 1984, five times in 1985 and three times so far in the current year. In carrying out the statutory responsibilities laid upon us by the House, I do not think that we find ourselves either over or under-employed.
§ Mr. ThurnhamHas there been any trend suggesting an increase in the useful inquiries relating to value for money?
§ Sir Edward du CannMy hon. Friend has raised an important point. I am happy to confirm that the third report of the Commission endorses the aim of the Comptroller and Auditor General to devote a larger proportion of the resources available to him to economy, effectiveness and efficiency, that is to say, value-for-money audits. There have been 80 such reports since 1984, which have invariably been followed up by the Public Accounts Committee under the distinguished leadership of the right hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon).
§ Mr. Tim SmithDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the Comptroller and Auditor General and his staff are doing a first-rate job in helping the House to secure value for money in public expenditure? If he does agree, does he think that it is about time the Comptroller's salary was increased to the same level as that of the Comptroller of Audit and the head of the Government Accountancy Service, in recognition of the work that he does for the House?
§ Sir Edward du CannI am obliged to my hon. Friend for the first part of his question. I am sure that the House is deeply appreciative of the work done for us, as guardians of the public purse, by the Comptroller and Auditor General and the devoted staff of the National Audit Office. It is obviously important to ensure that the salaries paid to these people keep pace with what is available in the private sector. Otherwise, the National Audit Office cannot recruit and retain the right quality of staff. That is a matter on which the Commission has already reported to the House. I am sorry that the Government have not yet seen fit to accept the recommendations of the Commission. I hope, in the presence of the Leader of the House, that that is a matter that will be looked at again.