§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who was responsible for selecting the new Chairman-designate of the Football Trust; how many candidates were considered; what was the process of interviewing and consultation prior to the announcement;and what will be the remuneration of the Chairman-designate. [22668]
§ Mr. BanksThe appointment of the Chairman-designate of the Football Trust was wholly a matter for the Trustees. I was consulted by Trustees on their nomination of my hon. Friend the Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Mr. Pendry), as the Trust Deed provides, and was very pleased to be able to support that nomination. My hon. Friend has considerable experience of all aspects of football and is widely acknowledged as a key figure in sports policy making. I understand the question of remuneration is to be considered at the first meeting of the new Trust. I would like to pay tribute to168W the excellent work Lord Aberdare has done as Chairman of the Football Trust since 1979, and to wish my hon. Friend well when he succeeds Lord Aberdare shortly.