§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those who have accompanied (i) him and (ii) his departmental Ministers on overseas visits since 1 January indicating(a) the venue of the visit, (b) the purpose of the visit, (c) the names of those involved, (d) the job of those involved, (e) the reasons why they were included in the visit and (f) the cost to public funds. [53834]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 30 July 1998]: The details requested are laid out in the accompanying table.
(3) what representations he received from the Chairman of the BBC about the recent appointments of (a) the Deputy Chairman and (b) other governors of the BBC; [53264]
(4) what political affiliations were disclosed by the successful candidates during the recent selection process for appointments to the Board of Governors of the BBC; [53262]
(5) what criteria were used in determining recent appointments to the Board of Governors of the BBC; [53265]
(6) what discussions he held with the Union of Communications Workers about recent appointments to the Board of Governors of the BBC. [53260]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 29 July 1998]: The process for appointing the BBC Vice-Chairman and two Governors was based on the principles set down by the independent Commissioner for Public Appointments.
701WCandidates had to have, or be able to acquire quickly, the ability to represent the interests of BBC viewers and listeners and of the public at large; an appreciation of the requirements of operating as a board and the management of a large and complex public service and commercial undertaking; sensitivity to and the ability to keep in touch with public opinion on broadcasting issues; and the ability to work in an effective and collegiate manner with other Governors and the senior management of the BBC. Candidates for the position of Vice-Chairman were, in addition, expected to have the qualifications and experience to deputise for the Chairman and possess sufficient influence, experience and weight to act as an effective bridge between the BBC and Parliament. Candidates for the position of the Governor who chairs the English National Forum were expected to have knowledge of the English Regions and be willing to travel extensively within England. These were the primary criteria for selection. Considerations such as the political balance of the Board of Governors and the overall gender/ethnic minority representation were also taken into account, but were not determining factors.
The cost of advertising for recent BBC Governor appointments was £40,486.98.
All candidates for appointment to major public bodies are asked to provide information on significant political activity in the past five years. This reflects the guidance set down by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and is used for overall monitoring purposes only. The information is confidential.
Role specifications for the Vice-Chairmanship and the two Governor positions were agreed with the BBC. The BBC Chairman was invited to suggest names for consideration alongside respondents to the advertisement, and to comment on the shortlist for each position. The Chairman was a member of the selection panel that interviewed candidates for the Vice-Chairmanship, and also interviewed the final shortlist of candidates for the two Governor positions. The final decision on all three appointments was taken by Her Majesty the Queen in Council, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
I held no discussions with the Union of Communication Workers about the appointments.