A correspondent pointed out the Wikipedia entry for the term.
This is found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quango
It seems the description is as follows:
“Quango or qango is an acronym (variously spelt out as quasi non-governmental organisation, quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation, and quasi-autonomous national government organisation) used notably in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and elsewhere to label colloquially an organisation to which government has devolved power. In the United Kingdom the official term is "non-departmental public body" or NDPB.”
The best bit is this sentence:
“Depending upon one's point of view, the separation of a quango from government might be either to allow its specified functions to be more commercially exercised, independently of politics and changeable government priorities, and unencumbered by civil service practices and bureaucracy; or else to allow an elected minister to exercise patronage, and extend their influence beyond their term of office, while evading responsibility for the expenditure of public money and the exercise of legal powers.”
The last few words really ring true!
At least we now have an accurate name for it!
Sorry, usual service will now resume.
David.
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