§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission what proposals exist for further review of the National Audit Office's powers. [15556]
§ Sir Terence HigginsThe Nolan Committee has made various suggestions for the development of the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the NAO. In the White Paper on the governance of public bodies published last week the Government proposed certain extensions to the Comptroller and Auditor General's work including the CAG's right to inspect all non-departmental public bodies and associated companies; and the examination of compliance with codes of conduct.
The Government, however, did not take up earlier recommendations made by the Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts and my predecessor for the CAG to carry out the full financial audit of all executive non-departmental public bodies. Nor did they provide for the CAG to have the right to inspect the books of those housing associations and certain other bodies which are funded by central Government or a guaranteed right of access to all private contractors of Government Departments and agencies.
I understand that the Labour party has also put forward proposals concerning the future remit of the CAG and the NAO, but the Commission has not received these.