§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to extend the powers of the National Audit Office to examine accounts and records of contractors to central Government; [158299]
(2) if he will seek to extend the powers of the National Audit Office to audit all organisations which are completely owned by the Government, with special reference to (a) research and development organisations, (b) art galleries, (c) museums, (d) Remploy, (e) the Student Council Trust and (f) the Student Loan Company; [158300]
(3) if he will seek to extend the powers of the National Audit Office to audit all non-departmental public bodies, with special reference to (a) the Housing Corporation, (b) the Environment Agency and (c) regional development agencies. [158301]
§ Mr. TimmsThese matters are being considered in the context of the Government's forthcoming response to Lord Sharman's recent Review of Audit and Accountability for Central Government, "Holding to Account".