§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Minister for the Civil Service how many non-departmental bodies are currently in existence; and when the annual list of such bodies will be published.
§ Mr. LuceOn 1 April 1988 there were 1,648 non-departmental public bodies. This represents a net increase of five over the previous year, although there are 519 bodies fewer than in 1979. The bodies are listed in "Public Bodies 1988" published today. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.
As the Prime Minister announced on 28 January 1988 at column 313-14, the Government will continue to resist proposals for new non-departmental public bodies unless it can be clearly demonstrated that they are the most appropriate and cost-effective solution, and will keep existing bodies under review.