§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the board of the Development Board for Rural Wales first considered the payment to Dr lain Skewis, the former chief executive, in respect of untaken leave; and on what date the payment was made.
§ Mr. David HuntI understand that the basis of this payment was agreed in late February 1990 between the chairman of the development board and the then chief executive in the belief that it was covered by the latter's contract of employment and terms of service and did not require consideration by the board. Payment was made in March 1991 following Dr Skewis's retirement, and was reported to the board in connection with the 1990–91 accounts.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements he proposes to make to recover the cash loss arising from the irregular payment of £15,563 to Dr Iain Skewis, the previous chief executive of the Development Board for Rural Wales.
§ Mr. David HuntA payment of £15,563 to Dr Skewis in compensation for untaken leave during his 13 years employment with the Development Board for Rural Wales was made by the board without the necessary authority from the Welsh Office and the Treasury. The payment was therefore irregular and the Comptroller and Auditor General has qualified his certificate on the board's accounts for 1991–92 accordingly. The board has been unable to enforce recovery or to obtain voluntary repayment of the sum. The Welsh Office, with Treasury agreement, has authorised the write-off of this expenditure as a cash loss.