HC Deb 04 July 1995 vol 263 cc146-7W
Mr. Clapham

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what were the criteria used to select the right hon. Francis Maude as head of the deregulation task force. [32271]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

The deregulation task force's role is to help the President of the Board of Trade promote deregulation and to advise him on action for Government Departments and associated bodies to take to remove unnecessary regulatory burdens on business. In selecting a chairman for the task force the President sought a senior figure who carried weight in both business and political circles.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much remuneration the right hon. Francis Maude receives as head of the deregulation task force. [32265]

Mr. Evans

The right hon. Francis Maude is not paid for his work as chairman of the deregulation task force but, like other members of the task force, he receives travel and subsistence expenses. Administrative support for Mr. Maude and the task force is provided by the deregulation unit in the Department of Trade and Industry.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many candidates were considered for the appointment as head of the deregulation task force; and who made the appointment. [32274]

Mr. Evans

A number of possible candidates were considered for this appointment. It would not be appropriate to disclose details of particular names. The appointment was made by my right hon. Friend the President of Board of Trade.