§ Mr. MooreTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by region the number of appointments of which he has(a) made personally and (b) been consulted on; and if he will list for those appointments the political affiliations of the successful candidates. [74992]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 5 March 1999]: I have made some 550 appointments to public bodies in Scotland since May 1997 and am also consulted on an on-going basis about appointments to GB or UK bodies operating in Scotland. All appointments are made in accordance with Nolan principles involving selection on merit and independent scrutiny of candidates. Where bodies do not have purely local remits I make an effort to ensure as wide a geographical representation as possible. Candidates for public appointments are not required to state their political affiliation.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.