§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what procedures his Department has to prevent the possible appointment of individuals with extreme political views to posts for which a Minister has to approve the person or shortlist for the appointment;
(2) what information his Department holds or obtains relating to individuals who have been appointed, or may be considered for appointment, to paid or unpaid posts for which a Minister has to approve the person or shortlist for the appointment, in particular relating to active involvement in (a) extreme left-wing organisations, (b) extreme right-wing organisations and (c) Involvement in any of the political parties represented in the House of Commons.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe general procedure for the making of public appointments is contained in the Cabinet Office publication "Guide to Public Appointments Procedures" which is available in the Library of the House. Applicants to the Welsh Office register of candidates for public appointment complete a nomination form giving biographical information including a self-assessment of their background and skills. References are taken up on candidates considered for an appointment and a conflict of interest declaration is required from everyone who is offered an appointment. I take all relevant information into account in seeking to appoint the best candidate for the post.
§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the organisations and individuals who have been asked, since June 1992, to submit names of individuals to be considered for appointments to paid and unpaid posts for which a Minister has to approve the person or shortlist for the appointment;
(2) if he will list the organisations and individuals outside his Department who are sent information on, or consulted about, individuals who are, or may be, proposed to the Minister for appointment to posts for which a Minister has to approve the person appointed or the shortlist for the appointment.
§ Mr. RedwoodI consult such individuals and organisations as may be appropriate.
§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list each appointment for which a Minister has to approve the appointment or shortlist for the appointment, showing for each appointment(a) which Minister exercises the responsibility, (b) the salary, if any, attached to the post, (c) the term of the appointment and (d) the person currently appointed to the post.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe information at 1 March 1994 is shown in "Appointments by the Secretary of State for Wales" which is available in the Library of the House.