HC Deb 27 January 1999 vol 324 cc273-4W
21. Caroline Flint

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has in respect of the working hours of the Welsh Assembly and the provision of child care to support Welsh Assembly members and staff with children under 14 years of age. [66290]

Mr. Michael

It is for the Assembly itself to determine its working hours and its child care policy, having regard to the recommendations of the National Assembly Advisory Group (NAAG).

In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

22. Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much is planned to be spent on making ready a debating chamber for the National Assembly in Crickhowell House. [66291]

Mr. Michael

The estimated cost for providing a temporary chamber is £1 million.

In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

24. Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what changes he is proposing for ministerial responsibilities within his Department consequent upon the establishment of the National Assembly. [66293]

Mr. Michael

This is a matter for consideration once the Assembly is established.

In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.

Ms Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about how he proposes to handle appointments to public bodies which are due to be considered in the run-up to, and during the establishment of, the National Assembly for Wales. [68344]

Mr. Michael

In considering appointments which fall due in this period I have been mindful of the need to allow the Assembly to take over its responsibilities quickly and in an orderly way in relation to those public bodies for which it will be responsible. It has been necessary to give early consideration to such appointments because of the time required for the appointments process.

I have now had the opportunity of considering appointments in detail and, generally, I propose to extend existing appointments for up to 12 months to allow the Assembly time to introduce its own policy and procedures. This is not suitable for all appointments and there is a need for some full term re-appointments and new appointments.

Different public bodies have varying circumstances and each one has had to be considered individually. The factors which have been taken into account in each case have been the potential impact on the body concerned of short term extensions to existing appointments, the need for long term stability and continuity; the number of appointments becoming vacant at any one time; the need to retain specialist knowledge or a balance of skills on the body concerned; past difficulties in recruiting members; and the number of appointments held by candidates. In all cases, I have had full regard to the guidance and advice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments and I shall continue to do so.

Decisions have now been taken on most of the appointments concerned and these will be announced in the coming weeks.