§ Ms SouthworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes he proposes to make to the terms of service of the members of the Competition Commission. [133940]
§ Mr. ByersI propose to make a number of changes in the terms and period of appointment of all members of the Competition Commission, including the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and President of the Appeal Tribunal. I have reviewed the terms of service following the judgment of the Scottish Court in the Starrs case. The changes are modelled closely on the principles applied by the Lord Chancellor in his recently announced changes to1102W the terms of service of part-time judicial office holders in England and Wales, and reflect the particular characteristics of the Competition Commission's work.
Details of the changes, which emphasise the value we place on the independence of members of the Competition Commission, are set out in the relevant press notice.