Clause 3 - Studies for improving economy etc in services
Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords]
9:45 am
Mr Don Touhig (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales), Department for Constitutional Affairs; Islwyn, Labour/Co-operative)
The hon. Gentleman makes a perfectly valid point. In my initial comments, I sought to point out that the Auditor General has the ability to question the merits of policy and how an operation is being worked. He may express a view on how a body sets about exercising its objective and whether its approach represents value for money. We are at one on that. I will take the hon. Gentleman's point on board and reflect further on the wording, although I do not know whether it will be possible or appropriate to make any changes.
The hon. Member for Caernarfon (Hywel Williams) makes an important point. I am aware of the good relationship in the National Assembly in respect of the work of the Audit Committee. Again, I will broadly reflect on the provisions of the clause. If the Government feel that there is anything that we could or should do to take account of the points made by both hon. Gentlemen, we will perhaps reconsider at a later stage.