Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration

HC Deb 06 February 1976 vol 904 c756W

Mr. Brittan

asked the Minister for the Civil Service (1) whether he is directly responsible for the appointment of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration; and if he will make a statement on how this appointment is made;

(2) what consultations had taken place with Members of Parliament before the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration was appointed;

(3) whether there is a requirement that the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration should be a present or former member of the Civil Service.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

Section 1(2) of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 provides for the appointment of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration by Her Majesty by Letters Patent. In such cases my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister advises Her Majesty on the appointment. The office of Parliamentary Commissioner is not a Civil Service post. There is no requirement for it to be held by a former civil servant.