Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 17 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 January 2003. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Monday, 13 January 2003 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, on which occasions since May he has been informed of a minister issuing a direction to an accounting officer as set out in paragraphs 12-15 of the Treasury document, The Responsibilities of an Accounting Officer; on which grounds the note of dissent was issued; and if he will make a statement. - Includes ref to 8 May 2002 at 385 c253-4W and 10 June 2002 at 1037W.

Answer: Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on which occasions since May he has been informed of a Minister issuing a direction to an accounting officer as set out in paragraphs 12-15 of the Treasury document, The Responsibilities of an Accounting Officer; on which grounds the note of dissent was issued; and if he will make a statement. [88314] Mr. Boateng: The circumstances in which an Accounting Officer should seek a direction from a Minister are set out in paragraphs 14-17 of the Treasury document The responsibilities of an Accounting Officer. The Treasury has not been informed of any directions issued by Ministers to Accounting Officers under this guidance, since the reply given by my predecessor (Andrew Smith) to the hon. Member for South Norfolk (Mr. Bacon) on 8 May 2002, Official Report, column 253W and my own further reply to the hon. Member (Mr. Bacon) on 10 June 2002, Official Report, column 1037W.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 88314; 397 c412W;397 c411W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Accountancy Government departments Ministerial powers Public expenditure Accounting officers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk