§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment on what basis the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission was appointed as accounting officer; who supervises expenditure of the Health and Safety Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe chairman of the Health and Safety Commission was appointed as accounting officer on the basis that he is the senior full-time officer of the body and as such is responsible for all aspects of its policies, organisation and management.
As accounting officer he is responsible for the supervision of expenditure of the Health and Safety Commission. Such expenditure must comply with the administrative practices applicable to the expenditure of public funds and with conditions laid down by the Department of Employment. He is responsible for the efficient and economical administration of the commission's activities and, can therefore, together with the accounting officer for the Department of Employment, be called to account by the Public Accounts Committee.