§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Prime Minister what has been the total paid by Her Majesty's Government to non-official bodies in the last two financial years for which figures are available.
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§ The Prime MinisterThere is no readily available comprehensive list of payments to such bodies over the last two financial years. However, I am considering what information can be provided without incurring disproportionate costs, and will write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the methods of ministerial and parliamentary control over the disbursement of public funds to non-official bodies; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterParliament authorises the provision of funds to departments, and the Comptroller and the Auditor General is required, on behalf of the House of Commons, to satisfy himself that all such money spent by Departments has been applied to the purpose for which it was provided by Parliament. I am satisfied that Ministers have control over all payments for which their Departments are responsible, and that the requirements of Parliamentary control are safeguarded.