National Archives under threat?

[Nick29]

I suppose what makes me uncomfortable is that information such as the National Archives is garnered using public (ie taxpayers') money, so in theory we own it. 

Hmmm...... Britain's gold reserves is garnered using taxpayer's money too, but I suspect that a letter to the Chancellor asking for our share would meet deaf ears !   

[Redroger]

I suppose what makes me uncomfortable is that information such as the National Archives is garnered using public (ie taxpayers') money, so in theory we own it. 

Hmmm...... Britain's gold reserves is garnered using taxpayer's money too, but I suspect that a letter to the Chancellor asking for our share would meet deaf ears !   

That is unless you are a banker, one of the, to quote a Lib-Dem for once instead of Marx or Keynes, "spivs and gamblers" who got us into this mess.

[akanex2]

Short answer - No

"The National Archives
Retain - Retain on grounds of performing a technical function which should remain independent from Government"

[From list of Quangos released this morning]

[Nick29]

Excellent news 

[kerryb]

Phewwwwwwww

That is good news!

Kerry 

[Redroger]

But many useful things, e.g. National Audit Office are to be scrapped, and audits carried out by "independent accountants" talk about foxes guarding hen houses!

[Greensleeves]

Yes, I am glad the National Archives are okay for the time being, but agree with Roger that some of the reasoning regarding other bodies is somewhat questionable.

GS

[akanex2]

But many useful things, e.g. National Audit Office are to be scrapped

Just to clarify - it is the "Audit Commission" which has been scrapped, NOT the National Audit Office (NAO).  The Commission dealt with Local Authority and NHS matters in England and Wales and their regulatory function will be taken over by the NAO, thereby actually increasing the oversight to be exercised by the National Audit Office which already deals with national government matters.

[Redroger]

But the actual audits will be carried out by the private sector, people who audit the accounts of traders etc. who have transactions with local authorities, effectively therefore scrutinising their own clients' accounts, hence my comment about foxes and keys to henhouses.