HC Deb 27 July 1998 vol 317 cc37-8W
Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy not to make appointments which will be the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales for periods substantially beyond its establishment. [52397]

Mr. Ron Davies

The policy which I shall continue to exercise this year is to make appointments on the normal basis, including advertisement and open competition, to ensure that the public bodies concerned can be led effectively. However I am also reviewing those appointments which fall due next year with a view to ensuring that the Assembly has the opportunity to exercise its powers of appointment as soon as possible. This will mean the extension of some appointments for a short term, rather than my conducting further appointments exercises after the New Year, in order to allow the Assembly itself to conduct the full appointments procedure for the posts concerned.

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to postpone whenever possible taking decisions on matters which will be the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales. [52396]

Mr. Ron Davies

No, this would not be appropriate as Wales needs an active government, making progress with delivering its commitments and taking prompt decisions, between now and the time when the Assembly assumes its responsibilities. At the same time there are some decisions where it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the Assembly and I will have that in mind.

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