§ Hugh RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs why the Chairman of the Agricultural Wages Board has resigned. [84236]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 2 December 2002]: The Chairman of the Agricultural Wages Board, Professor John Andrews, has indicated his wish not to serve a further term for personal reasons. The Secretary of State and the National Assembly for Wales have reluctantly accepted Professor Andrew's decision and thanked him for his valuable work during the last three years.
Professor Andrews has agreed to continue in post until a successor has been appointed. The post has been advertised and it is hoped that an appointment can be made before Easter.
§ Hugh RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the relevant qualifications are of the two new independent board members of the Agricultural Wages Board. [84237]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 2 December 2002]: Independent members of the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales are not required to hold any specific qualifications. However when new members are appointed we do try to ensure that collectively, the independent members have experience of as many areas of expertise relevant to the Board's work as possible. These include EU and UK employment legislation, EU and UK social policy, arbitration and conciliation, human resource management, tribunal work, accountancy and economic issues.
Gillian Morris is a Professor of Law at Brunei University and since 2000 has been Deputy Chairman of the Central Arbitration Committee. Derek Evans served with ACAS from 1974, becoming acting chief executive in May 2000 until his retirement last year.