§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps have been taken to find suitably qualified women to become members of the regional committees of the Environment Agency.[15620]
§ Mr. ClappisonAs with all public appointments, individuals are selected on merit, which is in accordance with the recommendations of the Nolan committee. Before appointing the chairmen of the regional environment protection advisory committees in England, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State invited interested people to put forward nominations. He is taking full account of the contribution women can make to the 257W committees. We would expect the agency and other appointing authorities to take similar account in making their appointments.