Written question asked by David Simpson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 3 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 February 2010. It was answered by Vera Baird (Labour) on Monday, 8 February 2010 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Crown Prosecution Service: Art Works

Question: To ask the Solicitor-General pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2010, Official Report, column 244W, on departmental public expenditure, what the arrangements are within the Crown Prosecution Service for the authorisation of the acquisition of works of art; whether payments made in connection with the acquisition of such art works are subject to (a) monthly or (b) annual financial returns; and what post-payment internal audit arrangements are in place.

Answer: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has formal financial delegation and approval control systems in place to cover all expenditure. The systems require that any expenditure must be made in accordance with the principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety.Financial delegation limits are checked at the point of payment. All expenditure on assets that cost £500 or more is recorded and checked separately. There is no record that the department has incurred expenditure on works of art in excess of this limit.There is no requirement for either monthly or annual financial returns in respect of expenditure on works of art.The procurement and payment system is subject to periodic review by the CPS's Internal Audit Division. Such reviews take place routinely on an annual basis.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 505 c654W; 316504
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Departmental Public Expenditure
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Artworks Crown Prosecution Service
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk