§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Prime Minister what information is available to right hon. and hon. Members from the public appointments unit; how this information can be obtained; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe public appointments unit maintains a register of people who are willing to be considered for public appointments. A nomination form and a leaflet explaining the role of the unit, and giving 971W details of the different personal qualities, skills and experience that may be required, is available from the director of the unit, which is in the Cabinet Office. The director welcomes nominations of suitable candidates from all hon. Members.
The unit also provides advice to Government Departments on public appointments policy and pro-cedures. Details of central guidance and examples of good practice are given in the "Guide on Public Appointments Procedures", produced in September 1992, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.
§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Prime Minister how many names of candidates for public appointments are held on the Chief Whip's list as described in the Cabinet Office guide on public appointments procedures.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friend has a number of sources of information upon which he can draw in providing advice, when requested.