§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department (i) hold open meetings, (ii) conduct public consultation exercises, (iii) conduct consultation exercises with outside commercial interests, (iv) publish a register of members' interests, (v) publish agendas for meetings and (vi) publish the minutes of meetings; and whether this is in each case(a) under a statutory requirement or (b) voluntary.
§ Mr. Dorrell[holding answer 16 December 1994]: On point (i), I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State on 27 July 1993, Official Report, column 763–64. On points (ii) and (iii), the advisory committee on the public lending right has undertaken consultation on reference hooks. My Department has undertaken consultation with the art trade on behalf of the reviewing committee on the export of works of art. The Theatres Trust also consults with outside interests. The regional councils for sport and recreation also conduct consultation exercisees. On points (iv), (v) and (vi), the answer is none.
As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State made clear on 2 November 1993—Official Report, column 97–8—all appointments are made in accordance with guidance provided by Cabinet Office and the Treasury, which requires Ministers to satisfy themselves that no conflict of interest arises.