§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what representations he has received on the appointment of Phillip Head, the former chief executive of the Welsh Development Agency as property controller of the Further Education Funding Council;
(2) whether the Further Education Funding Council takes up references before formally appointing senior executives;
(3) how many candidates were shortlisted for the post of property controller for the Further Education Funding Council.
§ Mr. BoswellMy right hon. Friend has received no representations about the appointment by the Further Education Funding Council to the post of head of property services. I understand that the council advertised the post on two separate occasions. Twelve candidates were interviewed before a final appointment was made. It is the council's policy to take up references before formally appointing senior executives. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that this appointment was made on the basis of fair and open competition.