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Investigating Accountants: Impartiality
Lord Lucas asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether a firm that has prepared a report for creditors on the financial health of a business should be allowed to undertake any subsequent receivership work; whether this widespread practice may not tend to increase the number of unnecessary receiverships; and whether they intend to take any action.
Lord Clinton-Davis: Her Majesty's Government have no plans to prohibit an investigating accountant from subsequently being appointed as receiver of a company. Investigating accountants must act professionally and impartially when reporting on a company's financial position, particularly given the potential for a conflict of interest in such situation. In a survey of their members carried out in 1994 the Society of Practitioners of Insolvency found that in some 65 per cent. of cases investigating accountants recommended steps other than insolvency proceedings (including receivership). Where however an investigating accountant is appointed as administrative receiver this is likely to save costs and thereby benefit the creditors.
If the noble Lord has any information or evidence which might show that the profession is not maintaining the required standards of impartiality and transparency, my right honourable friend the President of the Board of Trade would be pleased to hear from him.
Parliamentary Privilege
Baroness Nicol asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What plans they have to establish a review of parliamentary privilege.
The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Richard): The Government believe that, in the context of their initiative to modernise Parliament, the time is now ripe for a general review of parliamentary privilege. Various aspects of the relationship between Parliament and the courts have given rise to difficulties in recent years, and the boundaries between them have been redrawn without any fundamental reappraisal of the kind of legal immunities which Parliament and its Members ought to enjoy at the end of the twentieth century.
The need for a review has become more pressing with today's announcement by my right honourable friend the Home Secretary of proposals for taking forward a general reform of the corruption statutes, which will include clarifying the law relating to bribery of Members of Parliament, as recommended by the Nolan Committee. The implications for parliamentary privilege, which would clearly be considerable, would need to be considered carefully in advance of the introduction of legislation.
Since this is a matter for Parliament and one which affects both Houses, the Government believe that such a review could be undertaken most appropriately by a Joint Committee. Consultations are taking place about setting up the committee and about the terms of reference it might have.
The Government hope that it might be possible to complete this review by early next year.
Ministerial Committees: Membership
Baroness Turner of Camden asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they will publish a list of the Ministerial Committees set up by the Cabinet.
Lord Richard: The names and membership of the Ministerial Committees which the Prime Minister has established to date are as follows. In addition to the members listed, other Ministers are invited to attend meetings as and when the business requires. Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy (DOP) Composition Prime Minister (Chairman) Deputy Prime Minister Chancellor of the Exchequer Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs President of the Board of Trade Secretary of State for Defence The Chief of Defence Staff attends as required, as do the Chiefs of Staff when necessary. Others are invited to attend as necessary. Terms of Reference "To keep under review the Government's defence and overseas policy." Ministerial Committee on Constitutional Reform Policy (CRP) Composition Prime Minister (Chairman) Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions Chancellor of the Exchequer Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Lord Chancellor Secretary of State for the Home Department Secretary of State for Scotland President of the Council Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Secretary of State for Wales Lord Privy Seal Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury Minister without Portfolio Other Ministers may be invited to attend as necessary. Terms of Reference "To consider strategic issues relating to the Government's constitutional reform policies".
Ministerial Committee on the Intelligence Services (CSI) Composition Prime Minister (Chairman) Deputy Prime Minister Chancellor of the Exchequer Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Secretary of State for the Home Department Secretary of State for Defence Terms of Reference "To keep under review policy on the security and intelligence services." Ministerial Committee on Northern Ireland (NI) Composition Prime Minister (Chairman) Chancellor of the Exchequer Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Secretary of State for the Home Department Secretary of State for Defence Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Terms of Reference "To oversee the Government's policy on Northern Ireland issues and relations with the Republic of Ireland on these matters". Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs (HS) Composition Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Chairman) Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord Chancellor Secretary of State for the Home Department Secretary of State for Education and Employment President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Secretary of State for Scotland Secretary of State for Health President of the Council Secretary of State for National Heritage Secretary of State for Social Security Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Secretary of State for Wales Lord Privy Seal Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Minister of Transport Chief Secretary, Treasury Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury Minister without Portfolio The Attorney General, the Lord Advocate and the Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms also receive papers. They and others are invited to attend as necessary. Terms of Reference "To consider issues of home and social policy". Ministerial Committee on the Environment (ENV) Composition Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Chairman) Chancellor of the Exchequer Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Secretary of State for Scotland Secretary of State for Health President of the Council Secretary of State for National Heritage Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Secretary of State for Wales Secretary of State for International Development Lord Privy Seal Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Minister of Transport Chief Secretary, Treasury Minister of State, Departments of the Environment and Transport Minister without Portfolio The Secretary of State for Social Security also receives papers. She and other Ministers are invited to attend as necessary. Terms of Reference "To consider environmental policy issues." Ministerial Committee on Local Government (GL) Composition Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Chairman) Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord Chancellor Secretary of State for the Home Department Secretary of State for the Education and Employment President of the Board of Trade Secretary of State for Scotland Secretary of State for Health President of the Council Secretary of State for National Heritage Secretary of State for Social Security Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Secretary of State for Wales Lord Privy Seal Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Minister of Transport Chief Secretary, Treasury Minister of State, Departments of the Environment and Transport Minister without Portfolio Other Ministers are invited to attend for items in which they have a departmental interest. Terms of reference "To consider issues affecting local government, including the annual allocation of resources." Ministerial Committee on Devolution to Scotland and Wales and the English Regions (DSWR) Composition Lord Chancellor (Chairman) Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Secretary of State for Home Department Secretary of State for Education and Employment President of the Board of Trade Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Secretary of State for Scotland Secretary of State for Health President of the Council Secretary of State for National Heritage Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Secretary of State for Wales Lord Privy Seal Chief Secretary, Treasury Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury Captain of the Gentleman at Arms Attorney-General Lord Advocate Other Ministers are invited for items in which they have departmental interest. Terms of reference "To consider policy and other issues arising from the Government's policies for devolution to Scotland and Wales and the regions of England and to promote and oversee progress of the relevant legislation through Parliament and its subsequent implementation." Ministerial Committee on Public Expenditure (PX) Composition Chancellor of the Exchequer (Chairman) Lord Chancellor President of the Board of Trade President of the Council Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Lord Privy Seal Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Chief Secretary, Treasury Minister of State, Department of Social Security Other Ministers are invited to attend for matters in which they have a departmental interest. Terms of reference "To review public expenditure allocations and make recommendations to the Cabinet."
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Ministerial Committee on Economic Affairs (EA)
Composition
Chancellor of the Exchequer (Chairman)
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Secretary of State for the Home Department
President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Secretary of State for Scotland
Secretary of State for Health
President of the Council
Secretary of State for National Heritage
Secretary of State for Social Security
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State for Wales
Lord Privy Seal
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Minister of Transport
Chief Secretary, Treasury
Minister without Portfolio
Other Ministers are invited to attend for items in which they have a departmental interest. The Chief Scientific Adviser attends for issues relating to science and technology.
Terms of Reference
"To consider issues relating to the Government's economic policies."
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Ministerial Committee on The Queen's Speeches and Future Legislation (QFL)
Composition
Lord Chancellor (Chairman)
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions
President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
Lord Privy Seal
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Chief Secretary, Treasury
Attorney General
Lord Advocate
Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury
Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms
Minister without Portfolio
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs is invited to attend for discussions of The Queen's Speeches.
Terms of Reference
"To prepare and submit to the Cabinet drafts of The Queen's Speeches to Parliament and proposals for the Government's legislative programme."
Ministerial Sub-Committee on European Issues ((E)DOP)
Composition
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Chairman)
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Chancellor of the Exchequer
Secretary of State for the Home Department
Secretary of State for Education and Employment
President of the Board of Trade
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Secretary of State for Scotland
Secretary of State for Defence
President of the Council
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State for Wales
Secretary of State for International Development
Lord Privy Seal
Attorney General
Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury
Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe
Minister without Portfolio
Other Ministers are invited to attend as the nature of the business requires.
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The United Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the European Union is also in attendance.
Terms of Reference
"To consider questions relating to the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union and to report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy (DOP)."
Ministerial Committee on Legislation (LEG)
Composition
President of the Council (Chair)
Lord Chancellor
Secretary of State for Scotland
Secretary of State for Wales
Lord Privy Seal
Attorney General
Lord Advocate
Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury
Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Minister of State, Home Office
Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service
Financial Secretary, Treasury
Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms
Minister without Portfolio
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland also receives papers and is invited to attend as necessary.
Terms of Reference
"To examine all draft Bills; to consider the parliamentary handling of Government Bills, European Community documents and Private Members' business, and such other related matters as may be necessary; and to keep under review the Government's policy in relation to issues of Parliamentary procedures."
Ministerial Sub-Committee on London (GL(L))
Composition
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Chairman)
Paymaster General, Treasury
Minister of State, Department of National Heritage
Minister without Portfolio
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Departments of the Environment and Transport
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Departments of the Environment and Transport
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Employment
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health
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Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security
Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service
Terms of Reference
"To co-ordinate the Government's policies on London, and report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Local Government (GL) and the Ministerial Committee on Devolution to Scotland, Wales and the English Regions (DSWR)."
Ministerial Sub-Committee on Welfare to
Work (EA(WW))
Composition
Chancellor of the Exchequer (Chairman)
Secretary of State for Education and Employment
Secretary of State for Scotland
Secretary of State for Social Security
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State for Wales
Minister of State, Department of the Environment
Paymaster General, Treasury
Minister of State, Home Office
Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment
Minister of State, Department of Social Security
Minister without Portfolio
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Employment
Other Ministers are invited to attend for items in which they have a departmental interest.
Terms of Reference
"To develop policies to get people from welfare to work and to report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Economic Affairs (EA)."
Ministerial Sub-Committee on Incorporation of the European Convention of Human Rights (CRP(EC))
Composition
Lord Chancellor (Chairman)
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Secretary of State for the Home Department
Secretary of State for Education and Employment
Secretary of State for Scotland
Secretary of State for Defence
Secretary of State for Health
President of the Council
Secretary of State for Social Security
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State for Wales
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Lord Privy Seal
Chief Secretary, Treasury
Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury
Attorney General
Lord Advocate
Other Ministers are invited to attend for items in which they have a departmental interest.
Terms of Reference
"To consider policy and other issues arising from the Government's decision to legislate for the incorporation of ECHR in UK law and to promote and oversee progress of the relevant legislation through Parliament and its subsequent implementation, reporting as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Constitutional Reform Policy."
Ministerial Sub-Committee on Drug Misuse (HS(D))
Composition
President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Chair)
Secretary of State for International Development
Solicitor General
Financial Secretary, Treasury
Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Minister of State, Ministry of Defence
Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Employment
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Departments of the Environment and Transport also receives papers and may be invited to attend as appropriate.
Terms of Reference
"To co-ordinate the Government's national and international policies for tackling drugs misuse, and report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs (HS)."
Ministerial Sub-Committee on Health
Strategy (HS(H))
Composition
President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Chair)
Secretary of State for Health
Secretary of State for International Development
Minister of State, Departments of the Environment and Transport
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Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Minister of State, Department of Health
Economic Secretary, Treasury
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Departments of the Environment and Transport
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Employment
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Scottish Office
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office
The Chief Medical Officer is in attendance.
Other Ministers are invited to attend for items in which they have a departmental interest.
Terms of Reference
"To oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of the Government's health strategy; to co-ordinate the Government's policies on United Kingdom-wide issues affecting health; and to report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs (HS)."
Ministerial Sub-Committee on Women's
Issues (HS(W))
Composition
Secretary of State for Social Security (Chair)
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State for International Development
Financial Secretary, Treasury
Minister of State, Home Office
Minister of State, Scottish Office
Minister of State, Department of Health
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Departments of the Environment and Transport
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Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Departments of the Environment and Transport
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Employment
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office
Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service
Terms of Reference
"To review and develop the Government's policy and strategy on issues of special concern to women; to oversee their implementation; and to report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs (HS)."
Ministerial Group on Food Safety (MISC 1)
Composition
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Chairman)
Secretary of State for Education and Employment
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Secretary of State for Scotland
Secretary of State for Health
President of the Council
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Secretary of State for Wales
Chief Secretary, Treasury
Minister of State, Departments of Environment and Transport
Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry
Minister without Portfolio
The Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury will also receive papers and may attend as necessary.
Terms of Reference
"To co-ordinate Departmental consideration of issues arising from the establishment of a Food Standards Agency and other aspects of food safety, and to make recommendations to the Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs".
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