HC Deb 29 January 1998 vol 305 c315W
Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport by what procedures the Millennium Commissioners are accountable to him with respect to those millennium projects experiencing financial problems. [24447]

Mr. Chris Smith

As Chairman of the Millennium Commission, I, in conjunction with my fellow Commissioners, have overall responsibility for monitoring the flow of grant to projects to ensure continued cost effectiveness and value for money. The Commission submits its annual report and accounts for Parliamentary scrutiny.

As Secretary of State I am responsible to Parliament for funds made available to the Commission, and have to satisfy myself that financial and other management controls applied by the Commission conform with the requirements of propriety, regularity and good financial management. The Accounting Officer of the Commission is accountable to the Accounting Office of my Department for the proper stewardship of the Commission's share of the National Lottery Distribution Fund.