HC Deb 26 February 1996 vol 272 cc303-4W
Dr. Wright

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department which are subject to(a) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (b) scrutiny by the Audit Commission, (c) scrutiny by the National Audit Office, (d) statutory provisions for open Government, (e) performed indicators and (f) provisions under the citizen's charter. [16010]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

The Lord Chancellor's Department sponsors two such bodies—the Legal Aid Board and the Authorised Conveyancing Practitioners Board. However, the latter has been inactive since March 1992, when the Lord Chancellor announced his decision to postpone the implementation of the authorised practitioners scheme.

The Legal Aid Board is not subject to scrutiny by the Audit Commission but (a) and (c) to (f) all apply to the board.

Dr. Wright

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department have a statutory base and which(a) admit members of the public to all board or committee meetings and (b) hold open meetings for the public; and whether in each case is (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntarily. [16028]

Mr. Evans

The Lord Chancellor's Department sponsors two such bodies—the Legal Aid Board and the Authorised Conveyancing Practitioners Board. Both have a statutory basis. However, the latter has been inactive since March 1992, when the Lord Chancellor announced his decision to postpone implementation of the authorised practitioners scheme.

The Legal Aid Board does not, nor is it required to, admit members of the public to board or committee meetings or hold open meetings for members of the public.