§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list by name and stated political affiliation those persons appointed to non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department since 1 May 1997. [57306]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 29 October 1998]: My Department does not collect details on the political affiliation of those appointed to public bodies. However, information on political activity is collected and published at the time of appointment in line with guidance issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
This information is noted in a table which has been placed in the Library and which includes all appointments which fall under my responsibility or where my role is to advise my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and, through him, Her Majesty the Queen.