§ 56. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent he controls the policy and expenditure of the Centre for Environmental Studies, in view of the fact that the present Government contribution is equivalent to over 80 per cent. of its total revenue.
§ Mr. John SilkinThis proportion of Government support reflects declining income from other quarters, and the Centre is being encouraged to diversify its sources of funds. The Centre has a large measure of independence, which is thought essential to its effective working. But my right hon. Friend appoints its Chairman and two other governors, in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland; and Ministers are also consulted over other appointments to the governing body. The Department approves the terms and conditions of all senior staff appointments.
Contracts apart, financial support is by grand-in-aid. The larger part of this is made without specific conditions, but one-third of it supports jointly agreed work in specific programme areas, which is closely monitored.
Two of the Department's senior officials act as assessors on the Centre's governing body, keeping closely in touch with the formation of its policies, and representing the Government's views on these as and when necessary.