§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if, pursuant to his answer of 26 July,Official Report, column 171, and the information subsequently sent to the hon. Member for Caerphilly, he will provide what information he has concerning the political affiliations of those appointees to public bodies listed.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerSince individuals are appointed to public bodies on the basis of their intrinsic merits and personal qualities, comprehensive information on political affiliations is not available.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he seeks on a regular basis concerning candidates for public appointment.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerPrior to appointment we seek details of candidates' past and present occupations, relevant specialisms, areas of interest, previous or existing appointments or voluntary service, time availability for public duties and ability to speak Welsh.
Once appointed their performance is regularly assessed and certainly taken into account before any decisions are reached on either reappointment or further appointments.