§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Prime Minister if he will publish a statistical analysis of the number of known members of each political party represented in the House who are listed by the Cabinet Office as(a) current and (b) potential appointees to public bodies.
§ The Prime MinisterAppointments to public bodies are made on the basis of merit, aptitude and suitability to meet the demands of the post.
Nominees on the public appointments unit's register are not required to give any details of their political affiliation. From the information made available by individuals, only 12.5 per cent. are known to have been members of a political party.