HC Deb 10 July 1974 vol 876 cc501-2W
Mr. Edelman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many public appointments are within his gift; and what is the cost to the Treasury.

Mr. Prentice

There are 138 salaried and fee-paid appointments within my gift at an annual cost of the order of £160,000. Not all of the cost falls directly on the departmental Vote. A schedule of the offices is as follows:

  • Agricultural Research Council, Chairman 15 members.
  • Natural Environment Research Council, Chairman 18 members.
  • Science Research Council, Chairman, 15 members.
  • Social Science Research Council, Chairman 17 members.
  • Medical Research Council, Chairman 17 members.
  • 502
  • Advisory Board for the Research Councils, Chairman 5 members.
  • University Grants Committee, Chairman 20 members.
  • British Library Board, Chairman 11 members.
  • Computer Board, Chairman 7 members.
  • Schools Council, Chairman.
  • Crafts Advisory Committee, Chairman.
  • Burnham Committee, Chairman.
  • Ministerial Adviser to the Department of Education and Science.

In a number of cases although the offices attract fees or honoraria the current holders forgo remuneration.