To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to enhancing the role of Parliament in appointing (a) the chairman and chief executive of the Financial Services Authority, (b) members of the Statistics Board, including the Chairman and the National Statistician, and (c) the Chairman of HM Revenue and Customs. (139762)

The Statistics and Registration Service Bill, which is currently before Parliament, makes provision for the appointment of members of the Statistics Board. Permanent Secretary level appointments, including the Executive Chairman of HM Revenue and Customs, and appointments to the Board of the Financial Services Authority are conducted in accordance with the code of practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.