asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the annual cost of publications published by the Audit Commission.[HL7384]

As this is an operational matter, officials from the Department for Communities and Local Government have asked the Audit Commission to reply direct to the noble Lord.

The Chief Executive subsequently replied to him on 12 September and a copy of his letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

Letter from the chief executive of the Audit Commission, Steve Bundred, dated 12 September 2006.

Your question about the annual cost of Audit Commission publications has been passed to me for reply.

In the last year, from 1 August 2005 to 31 July 2006, the Audit Commission has sent a total of 32 national reports and technical documents to its stakeholders. The production and distribution costs amounted to £306,185, not inclusive of VAT. This figure includes the cost to the commission of reports that were published jointly with other regulators.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information. I am copying this to Baroness Andrews, and a copy will also be placed in the House of Lords Library.