Plenary, 15 Sep 1999

Meeting date: Wednesday, September 15, 1999

Official Report 492KB pdf

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Auditor General

The Scotland Act 1998 requires that an Auditor General for Scotland, who is independent of the Parliament and the Scottish Executive, should be appointed by the Queen on the nomination of the Parliament. The post of Auditor General is fundamental to ensuring probity, efficiency, effectiveness and confidence in the system of public finances in Scotland. The duties of the office are set out in the Scotland Act 1998 and are being further delineated in the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Bill which is before this Parliament.

Under parliamentary standing orders, an extensive interview process was completed by a selection panel that consisted of the Presiding Officer, me—as Convener of the Audit Committee—and four members of the Audit Committee appointed by the Presiding Officer. On the panel's behalf, I am pleased to recommend the appointment of Mr Robert Black who is currently the controller of audit at the Accounts Commission for Scotland. Mr Black brings to this post vast experience, successful auditing expertise and personal attributes that allow us to make the unanimous recommendation that he be appointed as the first ever Auditor General for Scotland.

I move,

That the Parliament nominates Robert Black to Her Majesty for appointment as Auditor General for Scotland.