HC Deb 23 April 1990 vol 171 cc15-6
67. Mr. Allen

To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission when the Public Accounts Commission last met; and what was discussed.

Sir Peter Hordern

The Commission last met on 6 March 1990, when among the subjects discussed were the annual report of the National Audit Office and the report of the Commission to the House.

Mr. Allen

The hon. Gentleman answering for the Commission knows better than anyone that he and his Commission have the power to report to the House. Will he confide in the House by telling us whether the Commission has discussed its next report to the House and, if so, what subject it covers?

Sir Peter Hordern

I cannot anticipate the contents of a report that has not yet been considered by the Commission, but we shall report to the House before the summer recess. Among other things, the report is likely to consider the pay of the staff of the National Audit Office and the appointment of auditors to the office so that we can ensure that its operations are conducted efficiently.

Mr. Gow

How onerous are the duties that fall upon members of the Public Accounts Commission? Is there a vacancy on the Commission? If so, would not my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Mr. Soames) be a most excellent member?

Sir Peter Hordern

I give way to no one in my admiration of my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Mr. Soames). There is strong competition for membership of the Commission and I regret to have to inform the House that there are no vacancies at present.

Mr. Skinner

Will the hon. Gentleman look into the question of how much the members of the Tory Cabinet have benefited from pushing through the poll tax legislation? Will he confirm that the Cabinet benefits to the tune of more than £20,000?

Sir Peter Hordern

That is an interesting question, but it has nothing to do with the Public Accounts Commission, nor even the Public Accounts Committee, so it is not for me to answer.

Mr. Conway

If my hon. Friend is examining how public moneys are disbursed, will he consider the allocation of funds to Her Majesty's Opposition to see whether they need extra resources to work out the cost of their roof tax proposals for my constituents?

Sir Peter Hordern

That is another interesting question, but, again, one which is not a matter for the Public Accounts Commission. However, the Public Accounts Committee may wish to consider it.

Mr. Dickens

When my hon. Friend meets the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, will he do what he can to ensure that the Committee discusses in great depth the morality of using public funds to underwrite stupid decisions such as allowing the Strangeways prison riot to continue into a fourth week?

Sir Peter Hordern

I am sure that the right hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon), who is in his place, will have heard that question. Whether it is one that he will wish to consider is a matter for him.