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HM Treasury News Release

55/00

20 April 2000

Lord Colin Sharman has been appointed to lead a review into the arrangements for audit and accountability for central government, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Andrew Smith MP, announced today.

The review will cover the modernising Government agenda, audit/valuation of performance measures, the implications of devolution, the wider European context, with particular reference to European Directives affecting audit arrangements, possible models from other countries, and the relationship with other audit and regulatory bodies.

Andrew Smith confirmed the appointment in response to a written Parliamentary Question from Barbara Follett MP today. Commenting he said:

"I am pleased to confirm therefore that Lord Sharman, a former senior partner at KPMG International, has been appointed to lead the review.

"This is a great opportunity for Parliament and Government to work together to make sure transparency and accountability go hand in hand with the modernising Government agenda.

"I look forward to seeing the results of the review later this year."

NOTES TO EDITORS

The review was announced by Andrew Smith on 28 February, see Treasury Press Notice 24/00 at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.

Lord Colin Sharman OBE is 57 and was made a Life Peer in 1999.

The full text of the Parliamentary question and answer follows:

Barbara Follett MP (Stevenage - Labour)

To ask the Chancellor what progress has been made in taking forward the review of central government audit announced by the Chief Secretary on 28 February.

Andrew Smith MP

I am pleased to announce that Lord Sharman, a former senior partner at KPMG International, has agreed to lead this review. Lord Sharman will report to (as well as being a member of) a Steering Group chaired by the Chief Secretary. Arrangements are being made to provide him with appropriate support. The full membership of the Steering Group will be announced in due course.