§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Alistair Darling)Following my announcement on the setting up of the Commission on Boundary Differences and Voting Systems,Official Report, 9 February 2004, Column 1150–51, I can now announce the members of the commission. These are as follows:
Professor Sir John Arbuthnott Chairman of the Greater Glasgow NHS Board and Former Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde Mr. Adam Bruce Director, McGrigors Public Policy, Edinburgh Professor Mike Donnelly Professor of Management, University of Paisley Mr. Donal Dowds Divisional Managing Director, BAA Scotland and USA Mr. John Keggie Self-employed businessman. Former Deputy General Secretary, CWU Postal Mr. John Lawrie, OBE Former investment manager. Former Chairman, Scottish Liberal Party Councillor Alison Magee Convenor, Highland Council Mr. John Mc Cormick Former Controller, BBC Scotland Dr. Nicola Mc Ewen Lecturer in politics, University of Edinburgh Ms Mary Pitcaithly Chief Executive and Returning Officer, Falkirk Council Mr. Mike Russell Freelance journalist and broadcaster. Former MSP for South Scotland The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments was fully involved in the process of appointment.
The commission will start its work very shortly and is expected to report to me and the First Minister in about 18 months.