§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the quangos within his Department's responsibility which he has to date announced his intention(a) to abolish and (b) to make subject to a significant element of democratic accountability. [9679]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Department has not so far announced plans to abolish any of its quangos, or non- departmental public bodies. However, it is currently examining the role and responsibilities of each of our NDPBs as part of the Department's current spending review. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced last month a review of NDPBs with the aim of reducing overall numbers across Whitehall.
The issue of democratic accountability will also be addressed on an across-Whitehall basis with the launch in the autumn of a discussion paper considering how democratic oversight of NDPBs might best be enhanced. In the light of consultation, it is proposed to bring forward proposals in a forthcoming White Paper on better government.