HC Deb 05 July 1982 vol 27 cc2-3
2. Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what criteria he uses, and what advice he seeks, in making appointments to nominated public positions in Wales which are within his authority to fill.

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Nicholas Edwards)

I consult very widely with individuals and organisations to seek people who will provide public bodies in Wales with the range of knowledge, experience and ability that they require.

Mr. Wigley

Does the Secretary of State recall that the previous Conservative Government replaced the chairman of Gwynedd area health authority with the Conservative chairman of the Conway constituency? Is he aware that there is widespread dismay in Gwynedd at the recent replacement of Mr. Idris Davies, especially as he stood up to the Welsh Office about the delay with the Bangor hospital? Is he further aware that the present appointment smacks once again of political appointment and that the people of Gwynedd are fed up with it?

Mr. Edwards

The new chairman of that authority has been a member of it for the past eight years and a deputy chairman for several years. There can, therefore, be no question about her contribution to the authority. In the light of the speech of the hon. Member for Merioneth (Mr. Thomas) in the most recent sitting of the Welsh Grand Committee, the hon. Gentleman's suggestion smacks of a new sexist policy from Plaid Cymru.

Mr. Stokes

When my right hon. Friend makes appointments, will he consider from time to time retired officers from Her Majesty's Forces, including officers from the famous Welsh regiments? Is he aware that many of them have great leadership qualities and wide experience of command both at home and abroad?

Mr. Edwards

I consult widely and invite all types of organisations and individuals to submit names, as we need the names of as many qualified people as possible. No doubt some of them will be retired serving officers. As it happens, I have just approved the appointment of a retired officer from a Welsh regiment, which will be announced shortly.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread anxiety in Gwynedd that those who have been appointed recently to the national park committee have clear Conservative interests but perhaps no clear conservation interests?

Mr. Edwards

The appointments that I have made since becoming Secretary of State show that in the wide range of organisations concerned I have by no means confined my appointments to Conservatives. Indeed, I was strongly attacked and criticised at the Conservative conference last month for not doing so. I defended my record on the ground that it was right to appoint the best candidates irrespective of their political colour.