§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to monitor the on-going composition of the boards of local enterprise companies, particularly in respect of such boards continuing to reflect a diverse business, community and geographic representation of the entire area covered; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartLocal enterprise companies are required to ensure that at least two thirds of their boards of directors are chairmen, directors, chief executives or other top level managers within the private sector who either live or work within the local enterprise company's area of operation. Other board members must live within the local area. These requirements are placed on the local enterprise companies through their operating contracts with Scottish Enterprise and with Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Responsibility for contract compliance and monitoring rests with the enterprise bodies and I have therefore asked their chairman to write to the hon. Member.