To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what selection procedure was used to select the next High Commissioner to Malawi; and if he will make a statement. (156331)

The right hon. Jack McConnell’s appointment by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister as the next high commissioner to Malawi is in line with the Government’s policy of recruiting appropriate skills and experience from all areas of public life. His experience and skills make him well qualified for the job.

There have been a number of such appointments made by successive Governments.