§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will give details of the quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organisations for which he is responsible, showing the membership of same, their salaries and expenses, the number of meetings held, their objects and purposes and to what extent he has reduced, or expects to reduce, the costs of these bodies.
§ Mr. David HowellThere is no generally accepted definition of the term "quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization" but I appoint the members of eight advisory committees, all of whom serve unpaid and who may be reimbursed travelling and subsistence expenses incurred on committee business at the rates applicable to senior civil servants. The continuing need for these bodies is under review and I will retain only those which continue to serve a useful function. I will write to the hon. Member giving the details he seeks.