§ 16. Mr. GunnellTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make it his policy that all future applicants for public sector appointments should be asked to indicate if they are members of the Freemasons. [4942]
§ Mr. KilfoyleI see no need to do so as a general rule. The Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice already sets out the seven principles which must be applied to appointments to executive non-departmental public bodies and NHS bodies. All appointments must be governed by the overriding principle of selection based on merit, to ensure that those appointed have the abilities, skills and experience to match the needs of the posts in question.