16(1)The Authority shall keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to its accounts.E+W+N.I.
(2)The Authority shall prepare a statement of accounts in respect of each of its financial years.
(3)Any such statement of accounts must comply with any directions given by the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury as to—
(a)the information to be contained in it,
(b)the manner in which that information is to be presented, and
(c)the methods and principles according to which the statement is to be prepared.
(4)The Authority shall send a copy of each statement of accounts required by sub-paragraph (2) to—
(a)the Secretary of State,
(b)the National Assembly for Wales,
(c)the relevant Northern Ireland department, and
(d)the Comptroller and Auditor General,
before the end of such period after the end of the financial year to which the statement relates as the Secretary of State may specify by notice given to the Authority.
(5)The relevant Northern Ireland department shall lay before the Northern Ireland Assembly each statement of accounts received by it under sub-paragraph (4).
(6)The Comptroller and Auditor General shall—
(a)examine, certify and report on each statement of accounts received by him under sub-paragraph (4), and
(b)lay a copy of each such statement of accounts, and of his report on it, before each House of Parliament.
(7)The power under sub-paragraph (3) to give directions includes power to vary or revoke directions given in previous exercise of the power.
(8)In this paragraph, “financial year” means—
(a)the period beginning with the date on which the Authority is established and ending with the next 31st March, and
(b)each successive period of 12 months ending with 31st March.
Commencement Information
I1Sch. 2 para. 16 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/919, art. 3, Sch. (with art. 2)