HC Deb 20 April 1983 vol 41 c107W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Prime Minister if she will give the reasons why she will not make it the policy of Her Majesty's Government that before making appointments of chairmen and members of Government boards Ministers should, in the interest of good labour relationships, discuss with the representative of the trades unions within the industry for which the appointments are to be made the potential list of applicants and their qualifications, to seek the view of the trades unions, before making a final decision on such appointments.

The Prime Minister

The reasons are that Ministers are responsible to Parliament for the appointments they make, and it must be left to them to make whatever inquiries they think best.