§ Mr. Peter Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many paid public appointments he has made since assuming office which are under the patronage of his Department; whether each position is advertised and open for public competition; and how many paid appointments he has given to (a) trade union representatives and (b) members of the Labour Party, since the Government assumed office.
§ Mr. John GrantOn grounds of disproportionate cost the Question cannot be answered in the form in which it is put, but the following information may be helpful.
There are 1,597 paid public appointments the incumbents of which are appointed by my right hon. Friend. In respect of some of these the enabling legislation requires him to consult with organisations representing employers and employees, but in no case is an appointment advertised or open for public competition. An appointee's political allegiance is neither relevant to nor ascertained in relation to the appointment.