§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the consultation papers published since 1 May 1997 giving the date of publication, closing date for submissions and the number of respondents. [42246]
§ Mrs. LiddellFollowing is a list of the public consultation papers published by the Treasury since 1 May 1997, with the publication dates, closing dates for submissions and number of respondents. It does not include consultations which have been announced, but for which no consultation papers have yet been issued; nor does it cover a number of taskforces and advisory groups which may also have a consultative role.
These figures include all appointments which fall under my responsibility or where my role is to advise my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and, through him, Her Majesty the Queen. The figures include appointments made or recommended by previous Secretaries of State as well as by me.
The Government are committed to encouraging a wide range of candidates to apply for positions on the boards of public bodies, reflecting the diverse society in which we live.
This includes encouraging more young people to put themselves forward as potential candidates for public appointments. All appointments are made on merit, and candidates must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience to match the needs of the public body on which they wish to serve.