HC Deb 15 February 1994 vol 237 cc703-4W
Mr. Straw

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce arrangements to ensure that members of appointed public bodies and authorities may be subject to surcharge and disqualification or other similar giving estimates where necessary (i) in absolute terms and (ii) as a percentage of the total number of income taxpayers and also the change as between 1992–93 and 1994–95, (i) in absolute terms and (ii) as a percentage change.

Mr. Dorrell

[holding answer 8 February 1994]The information requested is as follows:

sanctions in respect of any wilful misconduct in the expenditure of public funds; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

[holding answer 14 February 1994]: Public bodies are already able to apply disciplinary sanctions, including seeking prosecutions where appropriate. The Government have no plans to seek new powers for surcharging or disqualification. The Government are considering whether the approach recommended in the Cadbury Committee's report on financial aspects of corporate governance could be adapted to meet the needs of public bodies.