To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many people have been appointed to his Department outside of civil service grades in the last 30 days. (153292)

The only appointments that fall outside civil service grades in the Cabinet Office are those made using fee-paid contracts. The number of fee-paid appointments made during the period 27 June 2007 to 26 July 2007 is six.

In addition, my Department publishes information annually on appointments to the public bodies for which it is responsible. Data for 2006-07 are in the process of being collated, and will be published shortly on the Cabinet Office website:

www.cabinet-office.gov.uk

Copies will also be placed in the Libraries of the House for the reference of Members.