HL Deb 11 October 1999 vol 605 cc9-10WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 22 July (WA 118–119), whether they will publish the terms and conditions of service which were agreed on the appointment of the present Chair of the British Council. [HL3986]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Terms and conditions of service and a post specification were drawn up by the Nominations Committee of the British Council Board before any candidates were selected for interview. The members of the Committee were Lesley Abdela, Sir Christopher Bland, Sir John Kerr, Prof. Emma Rothschild, Lord Stevenson and Lord Wilson of Tillyorn. These terms and conditions are as specified in the Answer to the noble Lord of 22 July (WA 118–9).

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 22 July (WA 118–119), what further information they have on the question which has been raised by the Charity Commissioners regarding the payment of any honorarium to a trustee of a body with charity status. [HL3987]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Under charity law, the reasonable expenses of trustees can be met, but any remuneration must be authorised by the charity's governing document, the Commission or the courts. The British Council approached the Commission for advice earlier this year. Discussions on possible remuneration for the Chair are continuing between the Council's trustees and the Commission.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 22 July (WA 118–119), why the details of the terms and conditions of previous Chairmen of the British Council prior to 1992 are not readily available. [HL3988]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The British Council's archives have been exhaustively searched in response to the noble Lord's questions. The terms of appointment for Sir David Orr, Chairman of the Council from 1984–92 have now been located and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House. This shows that in 1984 Sir David was entitled to an honorarium of £5,106.