Funding Agency for Schools

HC Deb 27 October 1993 vol 230 cc668-9W

Mr. Don Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on the procedure adopted in the appointment of the head of the Funding Agency for Schools and the timetable for further appointments to the agency.

Mr. Robin Squire

The Education Act 1993 provides for the chairman of the Funding Agency for Schools (FAS) to be appointed by the Secretary of State. My right hon. Friend appointed Sir Christopher Benson, chairman-designate of the FAS on 14 October.

The post of chief executive was widely advertised nationally and a formal interview panel has met to consider short-listed candidates. My right hon. Friend expects to announce an appointment soon. He also expects to announce the full membership of the agency in the new year.