asked the Secretary of State for Energy for which quasi-autonomous national government organisations he is responsible.

Apart from the nationalised energy industries and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, I appoint the members of eight advisory bodies, the full titles of which I will circulate in the Official Report.

I am grateful. Does the right hon. Gentleman favour greater parliamentary scrutiny in this area? Is he one of those Cabinet Ministers who favour the setting-up of a Select Committee related to his Department? Does he favour these quangos being brought within the scope of public audit?

Without committing myself to specific Select Committees—it is hardly my place to do that, for it is a matter for Parliament to decide—I think that the hon. Gentleman knows from experience that I favour closer and greater parliamentary scrutiny and debate of the complex issues which many of these boards are considering.

Following is the information:

• Advisory Committee on Fixed Offshore Installations.
• Advisory Council on Energy Conservation.
• Advisory Council on Research and Development for Fuel and Power.
• Energy Commission.
• Offshore Energy Technology Board.
• Offshore Industry Liaison Committee.
• Offshore Safety Inquiry.
• Severn Barrage Committee.