§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions his Department has had with the National Audit Office on the Auditor General's policy on the approval of the national accounts in relation to the treatment of Network Rail debt; and if he will make a statement.[100958]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Treasury has discussions with the National Audit Office on wide range of issues. However, the National Accounts are the responsibility of the Office for National Statistics and not the Comptroller and Auditor General
§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake not to conclude loan contracts for Network Rail until the Comptroller and Auditor General has approved the accounting treatment for new debt in the Government accounts. [100959]
§ Mr. BoatengWhile departments can, and do, consult the C&AG and his staff on accounting treatments, the ultimate responsibility for determining any accounting treatment rests with the body preparing the financial1052W statements, not the C&AG, provided that the accounting policies selected are the most appropriate for giving a true and fair view and comply with the requirements of the Resource Accounting Manual or other accounting guidance issued by the Treasury.