HC Deb 27 February 1996 vol 272 cc521-2W
Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens charter. [16022]

Mr. Heald

The Occupational Pensions Board is the only executive non-departmental public body sponsored by this Department. It is:

  1. (a) subject to the investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (PCA);
  2. (b) not subject to scrutiny by the Audit Commission;
  3. (c) subject to scrutiny by the National Audit Office, under the National Audit Act 1983;
  4. (d) subject to the statutory provisions for open government;
  5. (e) not subject to published performance indicators;
  6. (f) committed to the principles of the citizens charter.

The board and its staff were brought within the jurisdiction of the PCA on 31 July 1995. From the same date, the board has been subject to the open government provisions which apply only to bodies within the ambit of the Parliamentary Commissioner. In line with the principles of the citizens charter, the OPB published its charter standard statement and code of practice in July 1994.

Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department publish(a) annual reports, (b) annual accounts, (c) the minutes of meetings, (d) the agendas of meetings and (e) a register of members' interests, indicating in each case if this is (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary. [16818]

Mr. Heald

The Occupational Pensions Board is the only executive non-departmental public body sponsored by this Department. It does not publish: annual reports; annual accounts; minutes, or agendas, of meetings. It has voluntarily compiled a register of members' interests which is available for public inspection.

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