HC Deb 31 July 1978 vol 955 c104W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether, as a general rule affecting appointments to all public boards and the nationalised industries and in view of the shortage of suitable candidates for such appointments, he will initiate a system where all such appointments are publicly advertised, applicants invited, and the list published after appointment of the successful applicants.

The Prime Minister

Ministers responsible for making appointments to public bodies may advertise posts if they consider it desirable; examples of major posts which have been advertised are the Director General of Fair Trading, the Director General of NEDO and the Vice Chairman of BNOC. But it is neither necessary nor economic to advertise all posts, for instance, where good candidates are available within the industry concerned; nor would it be desirable to publish lists of applicants for those posts which are advertised.