Schedule 1 - Constitution of public benefit corporations

Part of Health and Social Care(Community Health and Standards) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 9:30 am on 20 May 2003.

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Photo of Hazel Blears Hazel Blears Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health) 9:30, 20 May 2003

I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the position of higher and further education corporations, which spend a substantial amount of public funds and which are in an identical position in that they can appoint their own auditors. Balance-for-money exercises will still be carried out by the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection.

It is perfectly appropriate that since we are creating new public benefit corporations, we should allow flexibility in the audit requirements to ensure the standing and probity of appointees.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendment made: No. 157, in

schedule 1, page 96, line 12, at end insert—

'( ) In auditing the accounts the auditor is to comply with any directions given by the regulator as to the standards, procedures and techniques to be adopted.'.—[Ms Blears.]

The Chairman, being of the opinion that the principle of the schedule and any matters arising thereon had been adequately discussed in the course of debate on the amendments proposed thereto, forthwith put the Question, pursuant to Standing Orders Nos. 68 and 69, That this schedule, as amended, be the First schedule to the Bill.

Question agreed to.

Schedule 1, as amended, agreed to.