§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the arrangements at the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England for ensuring that public funds are properly accounted for and spent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerI am satisfied that an effective framework exists within which the commission manages public funds and that these procedures will detect any early signs of weakness in financial control. Indeed, they apparently have. I am of course concerned about such weaknesses. The commission has been asked for a full report on its financial procedures. An interim report by the commission's chief executive to the permanent secretary of my Department is already being studied. We will consider what further action needs to be taken in the light of those reports.