HC Deb 29 March 1994 vol 240 cc647-8W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of public appointments made by his Department in 1993 were of(a) Asians and (b) black people; and if he will list their names.

Mr. Eggar

In 1993 the Department of Trade and Industry made 887 public appointments. Of these, 0.34 per cent. were Asian appointments, 0.34 per cent. black appointments and 0.12 per cent. other ethnic origin appointments.

Names cannot be provided as ethnic origin information was obtained in confidence from those concerned.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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 appointed or shortlist for the appointment.

Mr. Eggar

The required information is not held centrally in the form requested and could be produced only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. Eggar

Such consultations are made in accordance with the "Guide to Public Appointments Procedures".

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) 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;

(2) 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.

Mr. Eggar

The Department does not hold information on the political affiliations of public appointees or potential public appointees. Appointments are made on the basis of the person judged best for the job; political affiliation is not a factor.