§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures his Department(a) has taken and (b) is planning to take, to 35W take account of recommendations contained in the Second Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm. 3270). [16362]
§ Dr. HowellsA summary of the actions taken so far on the Second Report by the Department, its funding and regulating bodies, and by local public spending bodies is contained in Appendices 2 and 9 of the Fourth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life "Review of the Standards of Conduct in Executive NDPBs, NHS Trusts and Local Public Spending Bodies".
The Department is considering the observations made in paragraphs 12–14 of the Fourth Report and where further steps can be taken to improve its openness and accountability and that of its executive NDPBs, including funding and regulating bodies, of its local public spending bodies and of its public bodies generally. It will also be reflecting on the Cabinet Office consultation paper, issued this month, entitled "Opening Up Quangos".