presented pursuant to national lottery etc act 1993 as amended by the 1998 c 39 section 35 5 arts council of northern ireland distribution account 2004 2005 ordered house commons be printed 20 july london stationery office 7 october hc 422 00 audit scrutinises public spending on behalf parliament comptroller and auditor general sir john bourn is an officer he head which employs some 800 staff are totally independent government certifies accounts all departments a wide range other sector bodies has statutory authority report economy efficiency effectiveness with have used their resources our work saves taxpayer millions pounds every year at least 8 for 1 spent running this can found web site www nao org uk contents page foreword