Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people were interviewed for each position on the Ofgem Board. [86191]
§ Mr. WilsonThe numbers interviewed for a single non-executive post vary according to the field. Tyupically, three to five candidates are interviewed.
Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will set out the process for appointing members of the Ofgem Board. [86192]
§ Mr. WilsonThe process followed for the chair and for non-executive members is as for other public appointments, with guidance from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The process involves advertisement and search; interviews by panels including independent members; and recommendations to Ministers, who take the final decision, from the shortlist presented. Other executive members are appointed on an ex-officio basis.
Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money Ofgem has spent on(a) political advisers, (b) attendance at party conferences and (c) corporate hospitality in each year since it was established. [86193]
§ Ms HewittThese are matters for the Gas and Electricity markets Authority. The Chairman of the Authority will write to the hon. Member, and I have asked for a copy to be placed in the Libraries of the House.
Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria she uses to assess the performance and salary of each member of the Ofgem Board. [86195]
§ Mr. WilsonExecutive members of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority do not receive any additional remuneration for their role as members.594W Their pay and conditions as executives are matters for the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets. Non-executive members are not eligible for performance-related pay, but their performance is assessed as required by the guidelines for public appointments before re-appointment.
Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the recruitment consultants used by her Department advised on the appointment of members of the Ofgem Board. [86201]
§ Mr. WilsonA number of firms of recruitment consultants were retained by the Department under call-off contacts, one of which assisted with the process of appointment of the combined post of Director General of Gas supply and Director General of Electricity Supply (and Chairman-designate of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority).