Special Measures

HC Deb 15 September 2004 vol 424 cc1623-4W

Mrs. Browning

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Government Departments are subject to special measures. [185087]

Mr. Boateng

[holding answer 19 July 2004]: All Government Departments are required to provide the Treasury with monthly expenditure reports. This year, as a condition for agreeing significant access to the Reserve in 2002–03, the Home Office and the Department for Constitutional Affairs have been asked to discuss their monthly expenditure reports with the Treasury. During 2003–04 both Departments have done so and made considerable improvements in their financial management systems. This has been welcomed by the Treasury.

As part of the normal relationship between these Departments and the Treasury there will be continued sharing of information and discussion of the issues. These measures are being refined and will become part of a common approach to sharing in-year financial information between Treasury and all Departments.