§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how he will ensure that there will be representation of scientific interests on the NESTA Board. [32874]
§ Mr. Chris SmithIn accordance with the provisions contained in paragraph 1(2) of schedule 4 to the National Lottery Bill currently before Parliament, my Department has consulted over 250 bodies considered representative of those engaged in the fields of science, technology and the arts, seeking suggestions of people who might serve as the Chair or Trustees of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA). The posts have also been advertised in the national press. In both exercises, we have stressed the need for the Trustees collectively to be able to reflect interests across the three fields of science, technology and the arts, and have sought information from candidates about relevant experience and expertise. In considering with my ministerial colleagues whom to appoint to these posts, I shall take full account of the need to ensure that NESTA is equipped to meet its objectives in each of the three fields, and at the points at which they meet.