§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many persons have(a) applied for and (b) been invited to apply for membership of the Board of the Countryside Agency; how many have been interviewed; and when he will announce the appointments. [74870]
966W
§ Mr. MeacherTwo hundred and fifty three applications were considered. Applications resulted from Press advertisements, other publicity, and nominations by organisations notified of the vacancies. Unsuccessful applicants from previous appointment rounds were also considered.
Seventeen candidates have been interviewed. We expect to announce appointments shortly.