§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards membership of new town development corporation boards by (a) 199W prospective parliamentary candidates and (b) parliamentary candidates; what steps he has taken to advise board members of his policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KingThere is no objection to prospective parliamentary candidates serving as members of new town development corporation boards. However, a member who is formally nominated as a candidate would be well advised to resign since, under the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975, members of new town development corporation boards are disqualified from membership of the House of Commons and the election of a disqualified person is void. Board members have not been given general guidance on this subject, but individual members are advised when appropriate.