§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the bodies which will be consulted about his proposed extension of audit and accountability in central Government. [44312]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithConsultation will involve bodies and individuals affected by the proposed extension of audit and access powers for the Comptroller and Auditor General.
212WConsulted bodies will include those non-departmental public bodies whose auditors are currently appointed by the Government, the auditors of those bodies and bodies, or their representative organisations, that will be covered by the statutory access orders to be made under the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000. These include bodies in receipt of grant from central Government, train operating companies, registered social landlords, Government contractors and their sub-contractors.
The Government will also be consulting the Comptroller and Auditor General about the powers, as required by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the consultation on proposed improvements to audit and accountability in central Government will begin; and how long it will last. [44319]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithFollowing publication of the Government's response to Lord Sharman's report "Holding to Account", consultation papers will now be prepared and issued as soon as possible. The normal consultation period is three months.