§ Mr. GrocottTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the public appointments for which he is responsible(a) in the west midlands region and (b) in Shropshire, indicating in each case the duration of the appointment, the date when a new appointment is due and the salary.
§ Mr. JackThe south mercia and north mercia regional panels cover the west midlands region and Shropshire respectively. The regional panels are advisory non-statutory bodies consisting of between eight and 10 members. The members are appointed for an initial period of up to three years, normally from 1 April, and can serve for a maximum of six years. The panel chairman and members receive no salary, but can claim travel and subsistence expenses.
Agricultural wages committees for each of the regions have two independent members appointed by the Minister, whose terms of appointment end on 31 December 1994, together with additional members appointed by other organisations. Members are appointed for a period of up to two years and receive a daily fee for attending meetings of £68. If elected chairman of the agricultural wages committee, they are entitled to a fee of £86 per day.
The Minister appoints the chairmen of the agricultural dwelling house advisory committees for the two areas for up to three years. Most of these appointments are due for renewal on 31 December 1994. The chairman receives a daily fee of £86.
The Severn-Trent regional flood defence committee of the National Rivers Authority covers most of the specified area. The Minister is responsible for the appointment of a chairman and seven members; these appointments are for three years and new ministerial appointments will be made on 1 July 1997. Other members are appointed by local authorities and the National Rivers Authority. The chairman receives a salary of £11,200 per annum; members receive expenses.