HC Deb 17 December 1997 vol 303 c233W
11. Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what measures he is taking to broaden the social background from which appointments to non-departmental public bodies are made. [19611]

Mr. Kilfoyle

The Government are committed to attracting a broad range of applicants for public appointments—by the use of advertising and by encouraging members of under-represented groups to nominate themselves for the central and departmental lists of candidates.

12. Dr. Whitehead

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received about his proposals to make quangos more open and accountable. [19613]

Mr. Kilfoyle

Following the publication of the Government's consultation paper "Opening up Quangos" we have received a number of comments from a wide range of organisations and from individuals. Most of these welcome the proposals in the consultation paper and offer additional suggestions to make quangos more open and accountable.

15. Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on progress in reducing the number of quangos. [19618]

Mr. Kilfoyle

Ministers are taking a careful look to see which quangos are really necessary, with a view to keeping the numbers to a minimum. Ministers are also undertaking a zero-based analysis of the functions of the NDPBs they sponsor as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

25. Mr. Bill O'Brien

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to make non-departmental bodies more accountable to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [19628]

Dr. David Clark

In our consultation paper "Opening up Quangos", published on 11 November, we set out ways of improving the accountability of quangos. I am inviting Select Committees to have greater oversight of quangos, by looking at annual reports and by being involved in the regular five-yearly reviews of quangos.