asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many offices of profit within his gift whose incumbents are not recruited through the normal Civil Service channels there were in February 1974; and how many there are at present.

I was responsible for some 45 paid appointments to public bodies in February 1974; there are 64 at present. The increase is due to the creation of the Welsh Development Agency and the Land Authority for Wales. These figures exclude appointments, such as those of members of the Rent Assessment Panel, which are remunerated on an attendance basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many offices of profit within his gift whose incumbents are not recruited through the normal Civil Service channels there were at the most convenient date in each year since 1964.

I am obtaining such information as can be readily provided and will write to the hon. Member.