§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Prime Minister if he will assess the benefits of commissioning an independent and authoritative body to prepare and publish the Government's annual report. [93717]
§ The Prime MinisterBoth the 1997–98 and 1998–99 Annual Reports drew on publicly available facts and figures, all of which were provided by Departments. As a Government report it would not be appropriate for the Annual Report to be produced by an independent body. The National Audit Office provides independent716W information, advice and assurance to Parliament and the public about all aspects of the financial operations of Government Departments.