HC Deb 23 March 1976 vol 908 cc139-40W
Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he will ensure that the job of chairman of the British Steel Corporation is advertised in the national Press when next the job becomes vacant;

(2) if he will publish the names and qualifications of those who will form the interview panel to choose the next chairman of the British Steel Corporation from a short list of candidates;

(3) if he will publish the names and qualifications, as soon as these are known, of the people on the short list of candidates for appointment as the next chairman of the British Steel Corporation;

(4) if he will publish in the Official Report details of the procedures that are involved in deciding who shall be chairman of the British Steel Corporation when the present Chairman's contract expires in the summer.

Mr. Kaufman

My right hon. Friend has appointed Sir Charles Villiers as a part-time Deputy Chairman of the British Steel Corporation, with the intention of appointing him Chairman of the Corporation when Sir Montague Finniston's term of office expires in September this year. It is not normal practice to reveal the names of those considered for appointments.