HC Deb 22 December 1997 vol 303 cc395-6W
Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what has been the change in the number of non-departmental public bodies since 2 May; [21792]

(2) if he will list the new non-departmental public bodies which have been (a) announced and (b) set up since 2 May; [21790]

(3) if he will list the non-departmental public bodies which have been abolished since 2 May. [21791]

Dr. David Clark

Since 2 May, the total number of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) has fallen by nine. The Government are committed to keeping the number of NDPBs to a minimum and Ministers are currently examining the NDPBs they sponsor with a view to identifying further candidates for abolition.

The following table lists those bodies which have been classified as NDPBs and established since 2 May 1997, as well as those NDPBs which have been abolished or where proposals for abolition have been announced. The table also lists a number of new NDPBs that the Government are proposing to set up. Many of these new bodies will be essential in helping the Government to deliver its manifesto commitments.

NDPBS established since 2 May Proposed new NDPBS1 NDPBS abolished since 2 May NDPBS identified as future candidates for abolition1
Better Regulation Competition Agricultural Cardiff Bay
Task Force Commission Advisory Panel Development
Civil Justice General for Wales Corporation
Council Teaching Assessment County Court
Civil Procedure Council Panel for Rule Committee
Rule Committee National Construction Development
Commission for Endowment for Research Board for Rural
Racial Equality Science, Citizen's Charter Wales
(Northern Technology and Panel of Funding Agency
Ireland) the Arts Advisers for Schools
Disability Rights New Deregulation Land Authority
Task Force Opportunities Task Force for Wales
Expert Group on Fund National Council Residuary Body
Airborne Police for Vocational for Wales
Particles Information Qualifications Scottish Water
Football Task Technology Northern Ireland and Sewerage
Force Organisation Citizen's Charter Customers'
New Deal Task Regional Advisory Panel Council
Force Development Regional Panels Supreme Court
Qualifications Agencies (9) in MAFF (9) Rule Committee
and Curriculum Scottish Criminal School Tai Cymru
Authority Cases Review Curriculum and Urban
Royal Commission Assessment Development
Commission on Youth Justice Authority Corporations (8)
Long Term Care Board Scottish Seed
of the Elderly Potato
Security Vetting Development
Appeals Panel Corporation
Sheffield
Development
Corporation
Staff
Commission for
Wales
Welsh Council
for Postgraduate
Medical and
Dental Education
1A number of these proposals will be subject to Parliamentary approval.