Select Committee on Public Administration

House of Commons Select Committee on Public Administration

Formal Minutes

Session 2007–08

The Public Administration Select Committee

The Public Administration Select Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the reports of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and the Health Service Commissioner for England, which are laid before this House, and matters in connection therewith, and to consider matters relating to the quality and standards of administration provided by civil service departments, and other matters relating to the civil service.

Current membership Dr Tony Wright MP (Labour, Cannock Chase) (Chairman) Mr David Burrowes MP (Conservative, Enfield Southgate) Paul Flynn MP (Labour, Newport West) David Heyes MP (Labour, Ashton under Lyne) Kelvin Hopkins MP (Labour, Luton North) Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger MP (Conservative, Bridgewater) Julie Morgan MP (Labour, Cardiff North) Mr Gordon Prentice MP (Labour, Pendle) Paul Rowen MP (Liberal Democrats, Rochdale) Mr Charles Walker MP (Conservative, Broxbourne) Jenny Willott MP (Liberal Democrats, Cardiff Central)

Powers The powers of the Committee are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 146. These are available on the Internet via www.parliament.uk

Publications The Reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including press notices) are on the Internet at http://www.parliament.uk/pasc

Committee staff The current staff of the Committee are Steven Mark (Clerk), Laura Dance (Second Clerk), Pauline Ngan (Committee Specialist), Louise Glen (Senior Committee Assistant), Lori Verwaerde (Committee Assistant) and Miguel Boo (Committee Support Assistant).

Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk of the Public Administration Select Committee, Committee Office, First Floor, 7 Millbank, House of Commons, London SW1P 3JA. The telephone number for general enquiries is 020 7219 5730; the Committee’s email address is [email protected] Proceedings of the Committee

THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Julie Morgan

1. Future Programme

The Committee considered this matter.

2. Ethics and Standards: the Regulation of Conduct in Public Life: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2006-07

Draft Special Report [Ethics and Standards: the Regulation of Conduct in Public Life: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2006-07], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government response to the Fourth Report from the Committee in Session 2006-07 was appended to the Report

Resolved, That the Report be the First Special Report of the Committee to the House.

Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.

3. Skills for Government: Government Response to the Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2006-07

Draft Special Report [Skills for Government: Government Response to the Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2006-07], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government response to the Ninth Report from the Committee in Session 2006-07 was appended to the Report

Resolved, That the Report be the Second Special Report of the Committee to the House.

4. Machinery of Government Changes: Government Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2006-07

Draft Special Report [Machinery of Government Changes: Government Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2006-07], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to. The Government response to the Seventh Report from the Committee in Session 2006-07 was appended to the Report

Resolved, That the Report be the Third Special Report of the Committee to the House.

5. Whitehall Confidential? The Publication of Political Memoirs: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2005-06

Draft Special Report [Whitehall Confidential? The Publication of Political Memoirs: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2005-06], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government response to the Fifth Report from the Committee in Session 2005-06 was appended to the Report

Resolved, That the Report be the Fourth Special Report of the Committee to the House.

6. Work of the Cabinet Office

Ordered, That the National Audit Office’s written evidence on Work of the Cabinet Office be reported to the House.

Ordered, That the National Audit Office be authorised to publish their written evidence on Work of the Cabinet Office, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 135.

Sir Gus O’Donnell KCB, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Tuesday 20 November at 1.45 p.m.

TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Mr David Burrowes Mr Gordon Prentice Paul Flynn Paul Rowen David Heyes Mr Charles Walker Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott

1. Future Programme

2. Lobbying Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:

LOB 01 – Joint: the Association of Professional Political Consultants, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Government Affairs Group and the Public Relations Consultants Association LOB 02 – Public Relations Consultants Association LOB 03 – Chartered Institute of Public Relations LOB 04 – Association of Professional Political Consultants LOB 05 – Foresight Communications LOB 06 – European Commission LOB 07 – Bell Pottinger LOB 08 – Law Society LOB 09 – Global Government Relations, DLA Piper LOB 10 – National Union of Journalists LOB 11 – Consolidated LOB 12 – Grayling Political Strategy LOB 13 – JMS LOB 14 – Bircham Dyson Bell LOB 15 – Forum of Private Business LOB 16 – SpinWatch LOB 17 – Hansard Society LOB 18 – Luther Pendragon LOB 19 – Dr William Dinan and Prof David Miller LOB 20 – CSPL LOB 21 – Peter Luff MP

3. Third Sector Commissioning

Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Phil Hope MP, Minister for the Third Sector, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 29 November at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

David Heyes Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker

1. Future Programme

2. Specialist Adviser

Ordered: That Professor Justin Fisher be appointed a Specialist Adviser to assist the Committee in its inquiry into Lobbying.

3. Lobbying

John Grogan MP, Peter Luff MP and Stephen Pound MP, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 6 December at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen

1. Future Programme

2. Parliamentary Scrutiny of Public Appointments

Janet Gaymer, Commissioner for Public Appointments and Rt Hon John McFall MP, Chairman of the Treasury Committee, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Tuesday 11 December at 3.00 p.m.

TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan Jenny Willott

1. Machinery of Government Changes: A follow-up Report

Draft Report [Machinery of Government Changes: A follow-up Report], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the First Report from the Committee, HC 160.

2. Propriety and Peerages

Draft Report [Propriety and Peerages], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Second Report from the Committee, HC 153.

[Adjourned till Thursday 10 January at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 10 JANUARY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Mr David Burrowes Julie Morgan Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott

1. Future Programme

2. Parliament and public appointments: Pre-appointment hearings by select committees

Draft Report [Parliament and public appointments: Pre-appointment hearings by select committees], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Third Report from the Committee, HC 152.

3. Debt of Honour

Written evidence relating to Debt of Honour was ordered to be reported to the House for printing.

4. Propriety and Peerages

Ordered, That the letter dated 18 December 2007 from Sir Gus O’Donnell be reported to the House.

5. Propriety and Peerages – press coverage

6. Committee on Standards in Public Life Sir Christopher Kelly KCB, Chairman, Committee on Standards in Public Life, gave oral evidence.

THURSDAY 17 JANUARY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Julie Morgan

1. Work of the Committee in 2007

Draft Report [Work of the Committee in 2007], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fourth Report from the Committee, HC 236.

2. Future Programme

3. Lobbying

Resolved, That the Committee invite Rt Hon Ian McCartney MP, John Greenway MP and Nick Harvey MP to give evidence in the lobbying inquiry.

4. Third Sector Commissioning

Selwyn Image, Emmaus, Alex Whinnom, Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation and Sylvia Sham, Wai Yin Chinese Women Society; and Stuart Etherington, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Peter Kyle, Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations and Debra Allcock-Taylor, Directory of Social Change, gave oral evidence.

THURSDAY 24 JANUARY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair Mr David Burrowes Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Julie Morgan

1. Future Programme

2. Appointment of Temporary Chairman

Resolved, That in the absence of the Chairman, Kelvin Hopkins should take the Chair of the Committee for the meeting on 31 January.

3. Lobbying

Peter Facey, Unlock Democracy, Dr William Dinan and Professor David Miller, SpinWatch, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 7 February at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY Members present:

Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker

In the absence of the Chairman, and in accordance with the resolution of 24 January, Kelvin Hopkins was called to the Chair.

2. Lobbying: Written Evidence

3. Cabinet Office proposal to produce a single Annual Report and Accounts

Resolved, That the Committee are content with the proposal for the Cabinet Office to produce a single Annual Report and Accounts.

4. Future Programme

The Committee considered this matter. 5. Lobbying

Lionel Zetter, Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Gill Morris, Association of Professional Political Consultants and Rod Cartwright, Public Relations Consultants Association, gave oral evidence.

Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker

In the absence of the Chairman, Mr Gordon Prentice was called to the Chair.

2. Future Programme

3. Lobbying

The Rt Hon Lord Mayhew of Twysden QC DL, Chairman, the Rt Hon Lord Maclennan of Rogart, Member and Tony Nichols, Secretary, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, gave oral evidence.

Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen

1. Appointment of Temporary Chairman In the absence of the Chairman, Mr Gordon Prentice was called to the Chair.

2. Future Programme

3. Lobbying

Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:

LOB 22 – Sir Gus O’Donnell LOB 23 – Rt Hon Ian McCartney MP LOB 24 – Hanover

4. Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests

Sir Philip Mawer, Prime Minister’s Independent Advisor on Ministerial Interests, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 6 March at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 6 MARCH Members present:

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Julie Morgan

In the absence of the Chairman, Mr Gordon Prentice was called to the Chair.

2. Future Programme

3. Lobbying

LOB 25 – Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Peter Bingle, Bell Pottinger Public Affairs and Mike Granatt, Luther Pendragon; and Richard Schofield, Law Society and Eben Black, DLA Piper Global Government Relations, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Wednesday 12 March at 4.00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Julie Morgan Mr Charles Walker

1. When Citizens Complain

Draft Report [When Citizens Complain], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fifth Report from the Committee, HC 409.

2. Consideration of the 30-year rule review

Resolved, That the Chairman write to the 30-year rule review to convey the Committee’s view on the matter.

3. Correspondence on political memoirs

4. Future Programme

5. Lobbying

LOB 26 – Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Ordered, That, in the absence of the Chairman, Mr Gordon Prentice should take the Chair of the Committee at any future meeting, unless the Committee otherwise orders.

[Adjourned till Wednesday 19 March at 2.00 p.m.

Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker

1. Future Programme

2. Lobbying

LOB 27 – Letter from Advisory Committee on Business Appointments

3. Better Government

Sir Christopher Foster, Sir Nicholas Monck KCB and Peter Owen CB, Better Government Initiative, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Wednesday 26 March at 2.00 p.m.

Paul Flynn Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins

1. Future Programme

2. Work of the Committee in 2007: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2007-08

Draft Special Report [Work of the Committee: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government response to the Fourth Report from the Committee in Session 2007-08 was appended to the Report Resolved, That the Report be the Fifth Special Report of the Committee to the House.

3. Political Campaigning by Charities

Greg Clark MP, Ian Leggett, People and Planet and Brian Lamb OBE, Royal National Institute for Deaf People, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 3 April at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 3 APRIL Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker

1. Future Programme

2. Cabinet Office Autumn Performance Report 2007

Ordered, That the letter dated 25 March 2008 from Sir Gus O’Donnell regarding the Cabinet Office Autumn Performance Report 2007 be reported to the House for publication on the internet.

3. Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry

Rt Hon Lord Hurd of Westwell CH CBE, Rt Hon Lord Owen CH, Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell CBE QC MP and Adam Price MP, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 24 April at 9.45 a.m.

Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan Jenny Willott Mr Gordon Prentice

1. User Involvement in Public Services Draft Report [User Involvement in Public Services], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Sixth Report from the Committee, HC 410.

2. Future Programme

3. Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill

Janet Paraskeva, First Civil Service Commissioner; and Professor Peter Hennessy, Sir Robin Mountfield and Professor Robert Blackburn, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Tuesday 29 April at 3.00 p.m.

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Mr Charles Walker Kelvin Hopkins

1. Investigating the conduct of ministers

Draft Report [Investigating the conduct of ministers], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Seventh Report from the Committee, HC 381.

2. Parliament and public appointments: Pre-appointment hearings by select committees: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of session 2007-08

Draft Special Report [Parliament and public appointments: Pre-appointment hearings by select committees: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2007- 08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government’s response to the Third Report from the Committee in Session 2007-08 was appended to the Report

Resolved, That the Report be the Sixth Special Report of the Committee to the House.

Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House. 3. Machinery of Government Changes: A follow-up Report: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of session 2007-08

Resolved: That consideration of the Draft Special Report be postponed until the following meeting.

4. Future Programme

5. Lobbying

LOB 07a – Bell Pottinger (supplemental) LOB 28 – Letter from Lord Mayhew, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, to Gordon Prentice MP

Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Sir Gus O’Donnell KCB, Cabinet Secretary; and Michael Wills MP, Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 8 May at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 8 MAY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott

1. Machinery of Government Changes: Further Report

Draft Report [Machinery of Government Changes: Further Report], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Eighth Report from the Committee, HC 514.

The Committee agreed to communicate its evidence on the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill to the Joint Committee on the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill, pursuant to Standing Order No 137A. 3. Future Programme

4. Lobbying

Rt Hon Lord Warner, Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP and Stephen Haddrill, Association of British Insurers, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 15 May at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 15 MAY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan

1. Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry

Draft Report [Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

[The Draft Report was agreed to: the Minutes of Proceedings relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Ninth Report from the Committee, Session 2007-08, HC 473, p 12].

2. Future Programme

Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Good Government.

3. Lobbying

Chris Brinsmead, Astra Zeneca UK, Tom Kelly, BAA and Lucy Neville Rolfe, Tesco; and Tim Hancock, Amnesty International, John Sauven, Greenpeace and Owen Espley, Friends of the Earth, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Wednesday 21 May at 5.00 p.m. WEDNESDAY 21 MAY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Rowen

1. Constitutional Renewal: Draft Bill and White Paper

Draft Report [Constitutional Renewal: Draft Bill and White Paper], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Tenth Report from the Committee, HC 499.

2. Committee Visit

Resolved, That the Committee visit the Netherlands in connection to its inquiry into Good Government, and that the Chairman seek the approval of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the visit.

3. Future Programme

[Adjourned till Thursday 12 June at 9.45 a.m.

Tuesday 3 June - Wednesday 4 June

Paul Flynn, David Heyes, Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger and Mr Gordon Prentice visited Brussels in connection with the Committee's inquiry into Lobbying, in accordance with the Committee's decision of 19 July 2007.

THURSDAY 12 JUNE Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker

1. Future Programme

2. Lobbying Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:

LOB 16a – SpinWatch (supplementary) LOB 29 – PPS Ltd LOB 30 – Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry LOB 31 – Joint memorandum by Global Government Relations, DLA Piper and the Whitehouse Consultancy

Ordered, That a letter from Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP to the Committee on the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill be reported to the House for publication on the internet.

3. Charities and Public Benefit

Jon Benjamin, Board of Deputies of British Jews, Don Horrocks, Evangelical Alliance, David Pollock, British Humanist Association, Stephen Slack, Archbishops’ Council and the General Synod of the Church of England and Andrea Williams, Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship, gave oral evidence.

David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger

1. Future Programme

2. Lobbying

Tom Watson MP, Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government and Tom Harris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, gave oral evidence.

1. Public Services and the Third Sector: Rhetoric and Reality

Draft Report [Public Services and the Third Sector: Rhetoric and Reality], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Eleventh Report from the Committee, HC 112.

2. Lobbying

3. Future Programme

Resolved: That the Committee propose its Third Report of Session 2006-07, Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants, HC 122 as a subject for debate in Westminster Hall [Adjourned till Wednesday 2 July at 3.15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 2 JULY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger David Heyes Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice

1. Future Programme

2. Charities and Pubic Benefit

Sir Simon Jenkins, author and columnist, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas, Independent Schools Council and Dr Anthony Seldon, Wellington College, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Tuesday 8 July at 3.45 p.m.

TUESDAY 8 JULY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker

1. Future Programme

2. Charities and Pubic Benefit

Ruth Jarratt, Royal Opera House, Stephen Lloyd, Bates, Wells & Braithwaite, and David Mobbs, Nuffield Health, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 10 July at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 10 JULY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

1. Future Programme

2. Official Statistics

Simon Briscoe, Financial Times, Michael Fallon MP, Chairman, Treasury Sub-Committee, and Jill Leyland, Royal Statistical Society and Statistics User Forum, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Tuesday 15 July at 1.45 p.m.

TUESDAY 15 JULY Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker 1. From Citizen’s Charter to Public Service Guarantees: Entitlements to Public Services

Draft Report [From Citizen’s Charter to Public Service Guarantees: Entitlements to Public Services], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Twelfth Report from the Committee, HC 411.

2. Good Government

Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Good Government be reported to the House for publication on the internet:

GG 01 – Professional Contractors Group GG 02 – Dr Paul Benneworth GG 03 – Taxpayers’ Alliance GG 04 – Better Government Initiative GG 05 – Intellect GG 06 – Local Government Association GG 07 – Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

4. Lobbying

LOB 32 - Letter from Tom Harris MP

5. Future Programme

6. Data Handling Procedures in Government

Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, Sir Gus O'Donnell KCB, Cabinet Secretary, and John Fiennes, Senior Civil Servant, formally Cabinet Office, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 17 July at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 17 JULY

Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker 1. When Citizens Complain: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2007-08

Draft Special Report [When Citizens Complain: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government’s response to the Fifth Report from the Committee was appended to the Report

Resolved, That the Report be the Eighth Special Report of the Committee to the House.

2. User Involvement in Public Services: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2007-08

Draft Special Report [User Involvement in Public Services: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government’s response to the Sixth Report from the Committee was appended to the Report

Resolved, That the Report be the Ninth Special Report of the Committee to the House.

3. Future Programme

4. Good Government

Sir John Bourn KCB, former Comptroller and Auditor General, Sir Richard Mottram GCB, former Permanent Secretary and Kate Jenkins, former Senior Civil Servant, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Tuesday 22 July at 9.45 a.m.

TUESDAY 22 JULY

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Julie Morgan Mr Charles Walker

1. Mandarins Unpeeled: Memoirs and Commentary by Former Ministers and Civil Servants Draft Report [Mandarins Unpeeled: Memoirs and Commentary by Former Ministers and Civil Servants], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fourteenth Report from the Committee, HC 664.

2. Future Programme

3. Selection of a new Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission

Lord Jay of Ewelme GCMG, gave oral evidence.

4. Selection of a new Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission

Draft Report [Selection of a new Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.

The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Thirteenth Report from the Committee, HC 985.

[Adjourned till Thursday 9 October at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan

1. Investigating the conduct of ministers: Government Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2007-08

Draft Special Report [Investigating the conduct of ministers: Government Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government’s response to the Seventh Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.

Resolved, That the Report be the Ninth Special Report of the Committee to the House.

2. Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2006-07

Draft Special Report [Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2006-07], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government’s response to the Third Report from the Committee in Session 2006-07 was appended to the Report.

Resolved, That the Report be the Tenth Special Report of the Committee to the House.

3. Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry: Government Response to the Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2007-08

Draft Special Report [Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry: Government Response to the Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government’s response to the Ninth Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.

Resolved, That the Report be the Eleventh Special Report of the Committee to the House.

4. Equitable Life

Resolved, That Committee inquire into Equitable Life.

5. Future witnesses

Resolved, That the Committee take oral evidence from Ann Abraham, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, on Equitable Life and the Work of the Ombudsman.

Resolved, That the Committee take oral evidence from Sir Michael Scholar KCB, Chairman, UK Statistics Authority, on Official Statistics.

Resolved, That the Committee take oral evidence from Sir Gus O’Donnell KCB, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, on the Work of the Cabinet Office 2007-08.

6. Lobbying

LOB 33 – Tom Watson MP LOB 34 – Cabinet Office

7. Future Programme

The Committee considered this matter. 8. Charity Commission Annual Report, and Public Benefit Consultation

Dame Suzi Leather, Chair, Andrew Hind, Chief Executive, Rosie Chapman, Executive Director, Policy and Effectiveness and Kenneth Dibble, Executive Director, Legal and Compliance, Charity Commission, gave oral evidence.

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER

Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker

1. Good Government

GG 08 – Adam Macleod GG 09 – Peter Tomlinson

2. Future Programme

3. Good Government

Zenna Atkins, OFSTED, Geoff Mulgan, former Number 10 Adviser, Sir Steve Robson CB, former Treasury Second Permanent Secretary and Matthew Taylor, former Number 10 Adviser, gave oral evidence.

THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan 1. Future Programme

Resolved, That the Committee’s visit to the Netherlands in connection to its Good Government inquiry, agreed to on 21 May, be cancelled.

2. Good Government

Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke MP, Rt Hon Peter Lilley MP and Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, former Ministers of the Crown, gave oral evidence.

THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER

Declaration of Interests – Equitable Life

Kelvin Hopkins declared a financial interest in this matter in relation to his parliamentary pension.

Paul Flynn declared a financial interest in this matter in relation to his spouse’s pension.

1. Lobbying

2. Future Programme

3. Equitable Life/The Work of the Ombudsman

Ann Abraham, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Bill Richardson, Deputy Chief Executive and Iain Ogilvie, Investigation Manager, Office of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Tuesday 11 November at 1.45 p.m.

TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER Members present: Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair

1. From Citizen’s Charter to Public Service Guarantees: Entitlements to Public Services: Government Response to the Committee’s Twelfth Report of Session 2007-08

Draft Special Report [From Citizen’s Charter to Public Service Guarantees: Entitlements to Public Services: Government Response to the Committee’s Twelfth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government’s response to the Twelfth Report from the Committee and a letter of 11 November from the Chairman to the Minister for the Cabinet Office were appended to the Report.

Resolved, That the Report be the Twelfth Special Report of the Committee to the House.

2. Future Programme

3. Lobbying

LOB 35 - Association of Professional Political Consultants (supplemental)

4. Equitable Life

Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Equitable Life be reported to the House for publication on the internet:

EQL 02 – Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman EQL 03 – Equitable Life Assurance Society EQL 04 – Equitable Members’ Action Group EQL 05 – Equitable Life Trapped Annuitants EQL 06 – Paul Braithwaite

5. Equitable Life

Ann Berry, Paul Braithwaite, Liz Kwantes, and Colin Slater, Equitable Members’ Action Group and Peter Scawen, Equitable Life Trapped Annuitants; and Vanni Treves, Chair and Charles Thomson, Chief Executive, Equitable Life Assurance Society, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Thursday 13 November at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER

Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice

1. Future Programme

2. Equitable Life Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Equitable Life be reported to the House for publication on the internet:

EQL 07 – Liz Kwantes

3. Equitable Life

Sir Howard Davies, former Financial Services Authority Chair, Lord Norton of Louth, former Chair of the House of Lords Constitution Committee, Tom Winsor, former Rail Regulator, Ian Cowie, Daily Telegraph and John Kay, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Thursday 20 November at 9.45 a.m.

THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER

Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins

1. Future Programme

2. Official Statistics

Sir Michael Scholar KCB, Chair, Richard Alldritt, Head of Assessment, UK Statistics Authority, and Karen Dunnell, National Statistician and Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics, gave oral evidence.

[Adjourned till Wednesday 26 November at 9.45 a.m. WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER

David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Julie Morgan Mr Charles Walker

1. Public Services and the Third Sector: Rhetoric and Reality: Government Response to the Committee’s Eleventh Report of Session 2007-08

Draft Special Report [Public Services and the Third Sector: Rhetoric and Reality: Government Response to the Committee’s Eleventh Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.

The Government’s response to the Eleventh Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.

Resolved, That the Report be the Thirteenth Special Report of the Committee to the House.

2. Law Commission consultation on Administrative Redress

Resolved, That the Committee respond to the Law Commission’s consultation on Administrative Redress.

3. Equitable Life

Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Equitable Life be reported to the House for publication on the internet:

EQL 08 – Anthony Wilson EQL 21 – Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (supplementary)

4. Good Government

GG 10 – Prospect GG 11 – National Audit Office GG 12 – Hansard Society GG 13 – Audit Commission

Ann Abraham, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Steve Bundred, Chief Executive, Audit Commission and Tim Burr, Comptroller & Auditor General, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Tuesday 9 December at 10.00 a.m.