HC Deb 30 July 1998 vol 317 cc475-6W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the non-departmental public bodies in existence on 1 May 1997 that(a) have been disbanded, (b) will be disbanded in the next 12 months, (c) have had their functions transferred to (i) another non-departmental public body and (ii) a democratically elected body, (d) have been renamed but continue to perform a similar role and (e) have been unchanged; if he will indicate in (c) (ii) the relevant successor body; what new non-departmental public bodies have been established since 1 May 1997; and how many non-departmental public bodies his Department currently is responsible for. [53858]

Mr. Denham

Of the 15 non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) sponsored by the Department of Social Security on 1 May 1997(a) none have been disbanded; (b) six will be disbanded during the second half of 1999; (c) none have had their functions transferred; (d) none have been renamed but continue to perform a similar role; and (e) 15 have been unchanged. Details of all other NDPBs in existence on 1 May 1997 sponsored by this Department are listed in "Public Bodies 1997".

No new NDPBs have been established since 1 May 1997 and this Department is currently responsible for 15 NDPBs.

The Government are committed to keeping the number of NDPBs to a minimum and to ensuring that those which remain are open, accountable and effective. Many of the new NDPBs established since 1 May will be essential in helping the Government deliver their Manifesto commitments.