Quangos and Statutory Bodies

Various governments around the world have toyed with time-limited legislation; that is, laws that automatically lapse after a certain period unless explicitly reaffirmed.   Britain, too, has occasionally made use of the device, the Prevention of Terrorism Act, annually renewed throughout the 1970s and 1980s being the supreme example.

 Sunset clauses should apply to the creation and maintenance of statutory bodies. 

 The major Quangos should be required to justify their continued existence and applications for funding before the relevant parliamentary committee at a minimum of once every three years.

                       Appointment of the heads of Quangos should be scrutinised by a parliamentary committee with the power to reject the appointment.