To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he took to assess the experience and suitability of Mr. Bryan Riddleston of Celtic Energy before appointing him to serve on the board of the Countryside Council for Wales; and what other candidates he considered for the position. [13752]

I followed the procedures set out in the code of practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments whereby applicants are considered by a panel with independent membership. This panel recommended the appointment of Mr. Riddleston. Mr. Riddleston was one of 14 candidates interviewed. A total of 167 applications were received for membership of the Countryside Council for Wales.