§ Ms. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the previous financial experience of those appointed to the board of the London 17W Docklands Development Corporation; what investigations he made before he made the appointments; and what qualifications or expertise he considers necessary for appointment.
§ Mr. TrippierCurrent board members and their relevant background are as follows
Mr. Christopher Benson, JP, FRICS (Chairman)—Vice Chairman and Managing Director MEPC plc—property development.Mrs. Jennifer d'Abo—Former Chairman Ryman Group—retailing.Mr. Alan Benjamin, OBE—Director CAP Group plc—chartered accountant, advanced technology and computing.Sir Andrew Derbyshire, FRIBA, FSIAD—Chairman of Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall London Ltd — architects and planning consultants.Sir John Garlick, KCB — Former Permanent Secretary and Accounting Officer of Departments of Environment and Transport.Cllr. Jonathan Mathews—Councillor and architectural tutor.Mr. Lewis Moss, DBE, DL—Senior partner Moss & Partners—property surveying.Mr. Dennis Stevenson, DBE—SRU Ltd—Ex-Chairman Aycliffe and Peterlee New Town.Mr. Windham Thomas—Chairman and Chief Executive, Inner City Enterprises—former general manager, Peterborough New Town.Inquiries were made of available information.
The general qualifications for appointment are that members should have relevant experience to the regeneration of urban areas, and the board must include some members with special knowledge of the locality.
§ Ms. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the dismissal of Mr. John Mills as deputy chairman of the London Docklands Development Corporation; what financial arrangements have been made following the dismissal; and if he has any plans to continue Mr. Mills' connection with the London Docklands Development Corporation in any form.
§ Mr. TrippierMr. Mills was removed from office on 30 November. The Secretary of State considered him unsuitable to remain a member of the LDDC board. He has not been reinstated. No financial arrangements have been made. The appointment of Mr. Mills as a special consultant to the LDDC would be a matter for the chairman and the board.
§ Ms. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list each member of the London Docklands Development Corporation; how much they are paid; and what is the time of their working week.
§ Mr. TrippierThe details requested are currently as follows:
Remuneration £ Days per week Mr. Christopher Benson (Chairman) 27,226 2 Mr. Alan Benjamin 4,535 ½ Sir Andrew Derbyshire 4,535 ½ Mrs. Jennifer d'Abo 4,535 ½ Sir John Garlick 4,535 ½ Councillor Jonathan Mathews 4,535 ½ Mr. Lewis Moss 4,535 ½ Mr. Dennis Stevenson 4,535 ½ Mr. Wyndham Thomas 4,535 ½