HC Deb 21 June 2000 vol 352 cc189-90W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the President of the Council if the Appointments Commission will make it its policy to give unsuccessful applicants for membership of the House of Lords reasons why their applications failed. [126832]

Mrs. Beckett

This is a matter for the Appointments Commission.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the President of the Council who provides the secretariat supporting the Appointments Commission; and how many persons are employed in it. [126835]

Mrs. Beckett

The Appointments Commission is supported by a Secretariat who are either members of, or on loan to, the Cabinet Office. The Commission has yet to determine its final requirement for staff.

The same staffing arrangement applies to other independent bodies such as the Commissioner for Public Appointments and the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the President of the Council if applicants for membership of the House of Lords are to receive a specification from the Appointments Commission setting out the qualities and abilities expected in successful applicants. [126836]

Mrs. Beckett

I understand that it is the Commission's intention to be exceedingly open in its procedures. The issue of a person specification would be consistent with that approach.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the President of the Council if she will list the scheduled dates of meetings of the Appointments Commission in 2000. [126834]

Mrs. Beckett

This is a matter for the Commission.

I understand, however, that the schedule of meetings has not yet been finalised.

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