HL Deb 09 February 1994 vol 551 cc125-6WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their policy that appointment by Ministers to all public offices and public authorities within their control is done on the basis of personal merit and aptitude, and irrespective of political opinion or affiliation; if so, how this policy is implemented; and if not, what is their policy for avoiding political bias by Ministers in making such appointments.

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Wakeham)

The Government seek to make all appointments to public bodies on merit. In making such appointments, Ministers consider potential candidates drawn from a variety of sources, which include names already known to the department through its working contacts, or gained from approaches to other government departments, the Public Appointments Unit, and professional and representative organisations. Individuals are carefully appraised against the key criteria set for each appointment which cover the qualities, skills and experience required.

Sometimes the requirement includes a determination to implement a policy which may be politically partisan, but normally details of political affiliation are not relevant or specified. The successful candidate is the one who meets the criteria and has the ability and aptitude to meet the demands of the appointment. In October 1991 the Prime Minister reasserted this principle when asking his colleagues to seek to make the pattern of appointments reflect the contribution that women, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, could and should be making to public life. Ultimately Ministers are accountable to Parliament for the appointments they make.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of the statement made by Earl Howe (HL Deb., 19th January 1994, column 646) that "prominent posts in public bodies have been and continue to be held by those who do not support the Government", how many such posts have been filled since the last General Election with those who support and with those who do not support Her Majesty's Government.

Lord Wakeham

Individuals are appointed to public bodies because they have the qualities and expertise required, and details of their political affiliation are not normally sought. It would be invidious to single out individuals, and in any event comprehensive appointments lists are not held centrally. But noble Lords will be aware of a number of prominent appointments that are held by those who are associated with the opposition parties in various organisations including the BBC, health authorities, pay review bodies and development corporations.