To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what role was played by the Minister for Sport in the appointment of the new Chair of Sport England. (95501)

As with all major public appointments, I consult the relevant junior Minister. As part of the process to identify the new Sport England Chair, I asked the Minister for Sport for his views on the role specification, the shortlist of candidates for interview and the choice of two candidates recommended for appointment by the interview panel. Both the Minister for Sport and I were asked by officials for suggestions for suitable individuals who might be approached and encouraged to apply for the post of Sport England Chair. Derek Mapp’s name was suggested by Officials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister made representations to her Department on the appointment of the new Chair of Sport England. (95502)

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister did not make any representations to my Department on the appointment of the new Chair of Sport England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 16 October 2006, Official Report, column 981W, on Sport England, whether the interview panel indicated a preference for either of the two candidates. (95604)

The OCPA Code states that apart from exceptional circumstances, Ministers will be offered a choice of candidates and at least two should be put forward for each vacancy. In keeping with this guidance, the interview panel for the Chair of Sport England recommended two candidates for consideration. The interview panel concluded that both were clearly appointable, but each offered very different skills and experience and the final decision would depend on which qualities Ministers felt were more important to the needs of Sport England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 16 October 2006, Official Report, column 981W, on Sport England, who was responsible for drawing together the interview panel assembled to appoint the new Chair of Sport England. (95605)

The interview panel was drawn together by officials in my Department in accordance with the guidance issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. There was no involvement by me or other Ministers in drawing up the interview panel.