New Clause 3 - Power to send for persons
Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords]
3:45 pm
Mr Hywel Williams (Spokesperson (Disability; Health; Social Security; Work and Pensions); Caernarfon, Plaid Cymru)
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.
The Committee will know of my keenness to ensure that the Audit Committee of the National Assembly is kept as fully informed as possible, and can be as effective as possible. The new clause aims to ensure that the Audit Committee can require anyone
''relevant to a report submitted by the Auditor General . . . to attend the Audit Committee, give evidence and produce documents as required.''
That is a sensible step that will enable the Committee to carry out its functions properly. I have no doubt that in the ordinary course of events, such a power would not be needed or used. However, it should be there if so needed. Furthermore, it would be indicative of the importance that the Government and the National Assembly attach to the work of the Audit Committee. As I said earlier, the Audit Committee has worked co-operatively on a cross-party basis, and has already saved the Welsh taxpayer about £90 million.
The new clause would amend section 74 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 and allow the Audit Committee to call people who are relevant to a report submitted by the Auditor General for Wales to the Audit Committee. It would allow the body accountable for auditing in the Assembly to follow the money to its end point. Being able to call witnesses is an important power of the Public Accounts Committee, and I am sure that no hon. Members would want that power to be taken away. The Audit Committee needs a similar power to do its job properly.
I also note that the Public Accounts Committee retains responsibility for some areas of expenditure in Wales, can call witnesses and can have access to documents in London, but the Audit Committee in Cardiff carrying out a similar function cannot do so. The body charged with auditing expenditure on devolved matters does not have the power to call witnesses to Cardiff, which is unjustifiable. I seek reassurance from the Minister about the importance that the UK Government attaches to the Audit Committee in Cardiff, and to enabling it to do its work properly.