§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he did not appoint a new chairman of the Eastern Council for Sport and Recreation before the period of office of the former chairman Mr. John Hill ended on 4 October; and if he will issue guidance to such bodies as to whom should chair meetings in cases where no chairman has been appointed by him.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThere were difficulties of timing about the Eastern region appointment not experienced elsewhere. Over recent months, I have spoken to a number of possible candidates for this post, which has now been filled. I therefore see no reason to issue guidelines as to who should chair future meetings of regional councils in the absence of their chairman. There are two vice-chairmen and, as is usual in the unavoidable absence of an existing chairman, I would expect one the vice-chairmen to take over.