HC Deb 06 July 1993 vol 228 cc113-4W
Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to whom each of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department 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. Hanley

The information requested about the executive non-departmental bodies sponsored by my Department is as follows:

  1. (a) None is subject to surcharge;
  2. (b) None is within the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration;
  3. (c) Except for the Services Sound and Vision Corporation—SSVC—accounts for all bodies are subject to audit by the National Audit Office. An external auditor does however audit the accounts of the SSVC and the Comptroller and Auditor General has access to the SSVC's books and records;
  4. (d) None is subject to the statutory provisions for open government applicable to local authorities;
  5. (e) Performance indicators have not been adopted within the service museums, but they are being addressed and it is intended to introduce indicators in the near future. Both the SSVC and the Oil and Pipeline Agency have performance indicators;
  6. (f) The principles of ensuring an accountable, responsive and quality service to the public, directly or indirectly, apply to all publicly funded organisations.

Appointees, except for those as trustees of the service museums are required to declare any personal interest.