§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many non-departmental public bodies are currently in existence; and when the annual list of such bodies will be published.
§ Mr. Robert JacksonOn 1 April 1992 there were 369 executive bodies, six fewer than in 1991; 846 advisory bodies, 28 fewer than in 1991, 66 tribunals, two more than in 1991; and 131 boards of visitors, the same as in 1991. In total there are 1,412 non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs)—a fall of 32 over 1991. Details can be found in "Public Bodies 1992" published today. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.
Details are also included of the number of appointments to boards and tribunals which are held by women. The figures show that at 1 September 1992, 26 per cent. of such appointments were held by women.
Included for the first time are details of the number of public appointments held by members of the ethnic minorities. Ethnic monitoring of all public appointees has now been introduced and statistics will be published each year. The first figures show that, at 1 September 1992, 2 per cent. of all appointments were held by members of the minority groups.