asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what terms Professor Neil Hood has been appointed as Director of Locate in Scotland; and on what criteria he was selected for the post.

Professor Hood has been appointed as Director, Locate in Scotland, on secondment from Strathclyde university, initially for a period of two years. He has been certificated as a civil servant and his salary of £35,000 per year includes a contribution from the Scottish Development Agency in respect of his wider role as a director of that body.Professor Hood was selected from among a number of candidates on the usual criteria of ability, experience and knowledge in relation to the specific post under consideration.