HC Deb 14 February 1994 vol 237 cc594-5W
Mr. Straw

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consideration he has given to the establishment of a national register of members of appointed public bodies and authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

The Government have no proposal to establish a United Kingdom-wide register of members of appointed public bodies and authorities. It is normal practice for the names of members of public bodies to appear in the individual body's annual report. Public bodies should always be ready to provide a list of their membership and the organisation's postal address at which members may be contacted.

Mr. Straw

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what requirements are made in respect of members and appointed public bodies and authorities as to the availability to the public to their names, addresses, telephone numbers, occupations, political affiliations and financial interests.

Mr. Waldegrave

Because of the diversity in the nature and functions of these bodies, there are no general requirements. "Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs): A Guide to Departments" states that Departments are responsible for ensuring that appropriate rules of conduct are brought to the attention of candidates for membership; that the legislation founding NDPBs with trading or other financial objectives should include safeguards against conflicts of financial interest; that Departments considering restrictions on business appointments by NDPB board members should seek legal advice; and that members of NDPBs are expected to follow the long-standing rules on participation in political activities. For those bodies which are not NDPBs, Departments are expected to make separate provisions.

Mr. Kilfoyle

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who are the members currently appointed to the Natural Environment Research Council.

Mr. Waldegrave

The current members of the Natural Environment Research Council are:

  • Mr. R. Malpas, CBE, FEng (Chairman)
  • Dr. Eileen Buttle (Acting Chief Executive)
  • Professor J. R. L. Allen, FRS
  • Professor G. S. Boulton, FRS
  • Dr. P. J. Bunyan
  • Dr. M. J. Carter
  • Professor W. G. Chaloner, FRS
  • Lord Chorley
  • Dr. D. J. Fisk
  • Dr. I. J. Graham-Bryce
  • Mr. E. R. Hassall
  • Professor M. P. Hassell, FRS
  • Professor B. J. Hoskins, FRS
  • Professor H. E. Huppert, FRS
  • Professor P. S. Liss
  • Dr. R. J. Pentreath
  • Professor D. A. Ritchie, FRSE
  • Dr. G. W. Robinson
  • Professor J. I. Sprent, FRSE
  • Professor S. A. Thorpe, FRS

Mr. Kilfoyle

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who are the members currently appointed to the Advisory Board for Research Councils.

Mr. Waldegrave

The Advisory Board for the Research Councils was abolished on 31 December 1993.

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