HL Deb 14 January 2003 vol 643 c29WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider it to be in the public interest for senior ministerial appointments to public office to be subject to parliamentary scrutiny before they are made; and, if not, what are their reasons for that view. [HL945]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

Ministers are accountable to Parliament for the public appointments they make to non-departmental public bodies. These appointments are regulated and monitored by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Government are committed to the principle of appointment on merit and do not consider that further parliamentary vetting or agreement of these appointments would improve the appointments process or increase the calibre of appointees.