§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what procedures his Departments have 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 the Northern Ireland Office 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.
§ Sir John WheelerIndividuals are appointed to public bodies on merit and potential to contribute to the work of the particular body, taking account of the need of each body to have the experience and skills necessary to carry out its functions. The Secretary of State and Ministers consider all relevant factors known to them before making an appointment.