Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy regarding the appointment of members to the Board of the enhanced Welsh Development Agency; and if he will make a statement. [30918]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesI am today announcing that Mr. David Rowe-Beddoe will be Chairman and Mr. Brian Willott the Chief Executive of the new organisation when it is established in the Autumn of this year, subject to the passage of the Government of Wales Bill.
I intend to make further appointments to the Board at a later date. The existing Board of the Welsh Development Agency (WDA), the Development Board for Rural Wales (DBRW) and the Land Authority for Wales (LAW) have made a valuable contribution to economic development in Wales and I applaud their achievements. I am, however, keen that the opportunity to serve on the Board of the new Powerhouse agency is canvassed as widely as possible in line with the guidance from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. I therefore intend to advertise these appointments so that the composition of the Board following the merger will benefit from a blend of new talent as well as the experience of existing members. The terms of office of existing Board members will be extended until the merger.