§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Ealing, North on 28 February, concerning the fees paid to assistant boundary commissioners, he will publish so much information as is readily available without incurring disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. MayhewI understand from the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England that some information may shortly become available, and I shall write to my hon. Friend when it is.
§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria he takes into account when appointing persons as assistant boundary commissioners; if he takes into consideration whether a person is or has been a member of any political group; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewParagraph 1(1) of part II of schedule 1 to the House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1949 provides
The Secretary of State may, at the request of any Commission, appoint one or more assistant Commissioners to inquire into, and report to the Commission upon, such matters as the Commission think fit.It is the practice to appoint Queen's counsel and senior barristers. All those approached to serve as assistant commissioners are asked to say whether they have taken any prominent part in politics either as a candidate at local or parliamentary elections or on behalf of a candidate. If the answer is affirmative, the appointment is not made.