§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made with the review of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Acts; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LawsonA green paper is published today on the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General—(Cmnd 7845). The green paper is intended to form the basis for discussions with the Public Accounts Committee and the Treasury and Civil Service Department Committee, and invites comments from interested organisations and individuals. I hope it will lead to wide discussion both inside and outside Parliament of the system of public audit. The discussions with the Select Committees and comments received will inform the Government's consideration of whether and in what form to legislate to replace the550W existing Exchequer and Audit Departments Acts.