§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what date he was informed that the chief executive of the Child Support Agency intended to take up her new post with Business in the Community. [8110]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, has known since February 1996 that Miss Chant would not be undertaking a further extension of her contract beyond March 1997.
§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans there are to give preference to non-civil service candidates in filling the post of chief executive of the Child Support Agency. [8112]
§ Mr. MitchellNone. All candidates will be treated equally.
§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans there are to advertise the post of chief executive of the Child Support Agency(a) within the civil service and (b) outside it. [8111]
§ Mr. MitchellPermanent secretaries in other Government Departments have been asked to circulate details of the post to prospective candidates;
The post was also advertised in the national press on 8 December 1996 and will be again on 12 December 1996. Executive search is also being carried out on the Department's behalf by recruitment consultants.
§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what initial period of contract will be offered to the next chief executive of the Child Support Agency. [8113]
§ Mr. MitchellFive years.