HC Deb 05 April 2000 vol 347 cc522-3W
10. Mr. Loughton

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she last met the Commissioner for Public Appointments to discuss the political balance of councillors being appointed to local health authorities and NHS trusts. [116393]

12. Mr. Grieve

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what meetings she has had with the Commissioner for Public Appointments to discuss her report entitled, "Public Appointments to NHS Trusts and Health Authorities". [116395]

19. Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she last met the Commissioner for Public Appointments to discuss appointments to public bodies. [116407]

Mr. Stringer

I met the Commissioner for Public Appointments on 15 March 2000. My right hon. Friend and I meet the Commissioner from time to time.

14. Dr. Tony Wright

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proposals she has to amend the system of public appointments. [116397]

Mr. Stringer

The Government have no immediate plans to alter the system of public appointments.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what her policy is in respect of the appointment of local councillors to non-departmental public bodies. [116401]

Mr. Stringer

The Government believe that appointments should be made on merit and we agree with the Commissioner for Public Appointments that political activity should not be a bar on taking up a public appointment.