Commissioner for Public Appointments

HC Deb 23 November 1995 vol 267 cc232-3W

Mr. Spring

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress has been made towards the implementation of the Nolan committee's recommendation that a Commissioner for Public Appointments should be appointed. [2470]

Mr. Freeman

Her Majesty in Council today approved orders setting up the office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments and appointing the first office holder.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister today announced the appointment of Sir Leonard Peach, currently chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, as the first Commissioner for Public Appointments. Sir Leonard will take up this part-time appointment on 18 December 1995.

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has also appointed Sir Leonard Peach as the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Northern Ireland.

Sir Leonard has also been appointed a Civil Service Commissioner.

I shall arrange for copies of the relevant orders to be placed in the Libraries of the House as soon as they are available.