§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what are the qualifications he has now laid down for the Industrial Director, North-West Region; and how many persons have applied for the job;
(2) if he has yet appointed a Regional Industrial Director, North-West Region;
(3) if he will indicate the membership of the selection panel for the post of the Regional Industrial Director, North-West Region.
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§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieRegional industrial directors must have senior managerial experience in industry or finance, preferably both. They must have the ability to discuss financial issues with top managements, to assess the viability of companies and of their proposals and to encourage the planning and decision making of industrial and commercial companies in a positive manner. 126 applications were received in response to a national advertisement for the post in the North-West Region, and senior officials of my Department and the former Industrial Director for the Region formed the Selection Panel. I hope that an appointment will me made shortly.