§ 24. Mr. Errollasked the Prime Minister if he will publish a list of all the Departmental or inter-Departmental advisory bodies of a central or national character whose membership consists wholly or partly of non-officials; what is the number and nature of similar local bodies; how many individuals may be appointed to each body; and whether they may be remunerated.
§ The Prime MinisterThere are about 700 central or national bodies of the nature described. The compilation of the detailed information requested is not completed. When it is I will place a copy in the Library and inform the hon. Member. The collection of the information on central bodies has involved a great deal of work in Departments; the collection of similar information about local bodies would involve even more and would not be justified.
§ Sir William DarlingIs the Prime Minister satisfied that with these members of his 700 advisory bodies he is getting all the advice that the Government now require?
§ The Prime MinisterOur 700 advisory bodies to various undertakings, I think. are doing very useful work.
§ Sir Henry Morris-JonesIs the Prime Minister aware that there is a feeling, certainly in Wales, that the Prime Minister is very badly advised in regard to some of these appointments? May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to take note of the fact that there is in Wales, after all, some talent and that we do not necessarily depend on two or three individuals to be appointed to every board and every commission?
§ The Prime Minister1 had not understood that there were only one or two Welshmen on these 700 boards.