§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria he uses to assess whether potential members of regional development agency boards have expertise in rural matters. [109808]
§ Ms Beverley HughesCandidates are assessed against a range of criteria, which includes demonstrating a detailed understanding of rural and environmental issues and/or a track record of success in the rural economy.
The specific knowledge and expertise sought has varied from region to region and has included experience and knowledge of agriculture and land use industries, experience of social and economic issues affecting rural areas, experience of small and medium businesses in the rural environment and knowledge of issues such as CAP reform. The relative importance of these elements has depended on the balance of skills and expertise available from other potential board members.