asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether, in the present economic situation, he will make it Her Majesty's Government's policy to refrain from paying more than £3,000 per annum to members of Government boards who serve on a part-time basis.

No. Part-time members of Government boards will continue to be paid according to the responsibilities they carry and the amount of part-time work they do. It would be inappropriate to lay down a flat rate limitation when the contribution made by part-time members varies from two or three days a month to four days a week.