To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many public appointments she has made since 1 May; and how many and what percentage of these (a) receive remuneration and (b) are of (i) Afro-Caribbean and (ii) Asian origin. [16783]

Since 1 May 1997, 512 appointments have been made. Of these, 26 per cent. attract remuneration.The information about ethnic origin cannot be provided since to do so would risk identifying individuals without their consent. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has provided information for all Departments in an aggregated form.