§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether the forthcoming vacancy for the Master of the Armouries will be advertised publicly;
(2) what is the composition of the selection committee who will advise him on the appointment to fill the forthcoming vacancy for the Master of the Armouries.
§ Mr. ShoreIt is not the present intention to advertise this vacancy. The post will fall vacant on the retirement of the present Master of the Armouries at the end of this year. The normal process of promotion, giving consideration in the first place to staff within the Department, will be followed. Three members of the staff in the grade assistant keeper I have been invited to attend a selection board which will make recommendations to the Permanent Secretary. The Board will comprise the Director General of Organisation and Establishments, a Deputy Secretary and the Director of Ancient, Monuments and Historic Buildings, all from the Department, together with the Director of the National Maritime Museum.