Clause 3 - Studies for improving economy etc in services
Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords]
9:45 am
Mr Hywel Williams (Spokesperson (Disability; Health; Social Security; Work and Pensions); Caernarfon, Plaid Cymru)
From the Government's standpoint, it may well be beneficial for the Auditor General not to question the merits of policy objectives. In practice, however, I do not see how that can be avoided if in the course of his work he discovers that a body's objectives do not contribute to efficiency or effectiveness.
That by no means confirms that the amendment is correct, but one point concerns me and my party—the relationship between the Audit Committee of the National Assembly, and the Government and the Auditor General. There is a good working relationship, which, in the Assembly, is based on the Audit Committee being precluded from scrutinising the policy implications of its reports. That, in respect of the clause, fits in with the role of the Auditor General.