HC Deb 19 March 1997 vol 292 cc676-7W
Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) 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; and if this is in each case (i) under a statutory requirement or (ii) voluntary; [20896]

(2) 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. [20935]

Mr. Burt

The information is as follows:

The Occupational Pensions Board does not publish annual reports or accounts, minutes and agendas of meetings. It has compiled, voluntarily, a register of members' interests which is available for public inspection. On 5 March the board published a final report which contained a detailed history of the board's work and achievements. It is subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, scrutiny by the National Audit Office, the statutory provisions for open government and provisions under the citizens charter. It is not subject to performance indicators. The board will cease to exist from 6 April.

The Pensions Compensation Board was established in August 1996 and commences full operation on 6 April. It will publish an annual report and accounts. It is compiling voluntarily a register of members interests which will be available for public inspection. It is subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, scrutiny by the National Audit Office, the statutory provisions for open government and provisions under the citizens charter. It will also be subject to performance indicators.

The Occupational Regulatory Authority was established in April 1996 and commences full operation on 6 april 1997. It will publish an annual report and accounts. It has compiled voluntarily a register of members interests which is available for public inspection. It is subject to investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, scrutiny by the National Audit Office, the statutory provisions for open government and provisions under the citizens charter. It will also be subject to performance indicators.