HC Deb 06 July 1993 vol 228 cc73-4W
Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to whom each of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Department of Transport is responsible; whether the public bodies or their members in each case are subject to(a) surcharge, (b) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (c) scrutiny by the Audit Commission or National Audit Office, (d) the statutory provisions for open government which apply to local authorities, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens' charters; and whether the chairpersons and members of the boards of each of these bodies are required to declare an interest.

Mr. Norris

Details of the four executive non-departmental public bodies in which the Department of Transport has an interest are listed in "Public Bodies 1992", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. The functions and responsibilities of the three General Lighthouse Authorities are specified in their founding legislation. My right hon. Friend is responsible for the operation of the General Lighthouse Fund which funds the authorities. The Traffic Director for London is appointed by my right hon. Friend and is responsible to him. The answers to the other points raised are:

  1. (a) None of the bodies is subject to surcharge. (The concept of surcharge as used in the Local Government Finance Act 1982 applies only to local authorities.)
  2. (b) The bodies subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner are:
    • Trinity House
    • Northern Lighthouse Board
    • 74
    • Traffic Director for London
  3. (c) Information on audit arrangements is set out in Public Bodies 1992.
  4. (d) No. The provisions of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 apply only to those local authorities specified in the Act.
  5. (e) Performance indicators have been set for the Traffic Director for London and a system of indicators for the lighthouse authorities is under discussion.
  6. (f) All bodies are being encouraged to follow the principles of the Citizen's Charter.

No requirements regarding declarations of interest have been imposed by my right hon. Friend on members of the three lighthouse authorities, the majority of whom he does not appoint. The Traffic Director for London does not have a board but he is required by the terms of his appointment to be alert to the possibility of any conflicts of interest and to consult my right hon. Friend in any case of doubt.