§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for each year since 1978–79 the total number of appointments of all kinds it fell within his power to make, whether or not such appointments actually fell to be made in the year in question.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeInformation in the form requested is not available because there is no set limit to198W the total number of appointments which it is within my right hon. Friend's power to make in any one year. However, 13,030 appointments for which my right hon. Friend is responsible were actually held on 31 March 1982 and 13,019 on 1 July 1983 in health authorities and non-departmental public bodies, including executive bodies, advisory bodies and tribunals. Information for earlier years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.