HC Deb 17 February 1998 vol 306 cc589-90W
Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what vacancies currently exist for appointments to be made by the Secretary of State to non-departmental public bodies; [28850]

(2) how many (a) notified vacancies and (b) vacancies arising through appointments expiring, currently exist for appointments to be made by him. [28882]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 10 February 1998]: Vacancies exist or current terms of appointment come to an end during 1998 on the bodies listed below. It is not possible to state how many expiring appointments will result in vacancies since some board members may be invited to serve a further term. This list does not include those bodies where appointments are for Her Majesty the Queen or my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and where my role is to advise.

  • Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection
  • Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites
  • Advisory Committee on the Public Lending Right
  • Advisory Council on Libraries
  • Arts Council of England
  • British Film Institute
  • British Library
  • British Tourist Authority
  • Broadcasting Standards Commission
  • Crafts Council
  • English Heritage
  • 590
  • Horniman Museum
  • Independent Television Commission
  • Imperial War Museum
  • Library and Information Commission
  • Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester
  • National Film and Television School
  • National Lottery Charities Board
  • Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art
  • Royal Armouries
  • S4C.

It is also my expectation to make appointments to three new public bodies—the New Opportunities Fund; the National Endowment for Science, Technology and Arts; and the Historic Royal Palaces Trust.

Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what consultation takes place between the Secretary of State and the current trustees of non-departmental public bodies prior to the announcement of appointments by the Secretary of State. [28831]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 10 February 1998]: Chairmen are invited to make their own suggestions on appointments and are consulted before appointments are announced.