HC Deb 14 October 1976 vol 917 cc188-9W
Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement in the Official Report concerning the chairmanship of the board of Cable and Wireless Limited.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) where the post of Chairman of Cable and Wireless was advertised; and how many replies were received to the advertisements;

(2) what criteria he used in appointing the Chairman of Cable and Wireless and if he took account of the experience in industry of candidates for the post;

(3) how many candidates were interviewed by him for the position of Chairman of Cable and Wireless.

Mr. Kaufman

My right hon. Friend has approved the appointment of Mr. Edward Short as Chairman of Cable and Wireless Limited in succession to Mr. H. G. Lillicrap who retires on 28th October. As the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries pointed out in its recent report on the company, the Chairman is particularly concerned with Governments, especially overseas where most of the company's business is carried out. Mr. Short's wide experience in government, which included a period as Postmaster-General, will greatly assist him in discharging his new responsibilities. It is not appropriate to advertise this appointment nor is it customary to make known whether other candidates were considered.

Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the (a) salary, (b) pension provision and (c) fringe benefits such as luncheon facilities, car facilities etc., currently enjoyed by his nominated Chairman of Cable and Wireless Limited.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the benefits available, in addition to salary, to the Chairman of Cable and Wireless, such as a company car, pension and other fringe benefits.

Mr. Kaufman

The salary is at present £9,080. While the appointment is in principle pensionable, no pension arrangements have yet been made for the new Chairman. Personal allowances are not paid to members of public boards. Provision of a car is a matter for the board of the company.

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