§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he takes into account political affiliation when making public appointments.
§ Mr. DorrellAccount has sometimes been taken of party political affiliation when making appointments in my area of responsibility, as when the nominee of the Leader of the Opposition was appointed to the Millennium Commission. However, these and all other appointments are based on the ability of the individual concerned to perform the duties and responsibilities of the post for which he or she is being considered.