HC Deb 20 February 1996 vol 272 cc66-7W
Mr. Peter Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the current financial, management and policy review of English nature. [16386]

Mr. Clappison

In response to the Government's requirement that all executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies be subjected to regular and detailed scrutiny at least every five years, my Department is conducting a financial management and policy review of English Nature.

The review will draw on work which has already been done on the study into the possible merger between English Nature and the Countryside Commission, the results of which were announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 7 October 1994. The current review will encompass English Nature's organisation and structure; general and financial management; and systems of financial control. The scope for further contractorisation of English Nature's work will be specifically addressed by the review.

The review is due to be completed by mid-June 1996.