§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to ensure that statutory instruments which have a financial implication are subject to consultation with his Department before they are laid before Parliament. [147533]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 26 January 2001]: Certain statutory instruments must have the approval or consent of the Treasury before being made. In other cases, the Treasury is consulted, as necessary, about any financial implications in accordance with the general principles governing the control of public expenditure as set out in "Government Accounting", the guidance on accounting and financial procedures to be followed by Departments. In all cases, it is for the relevant department to ensure that it has sought any necessary approval by the Treasury.