To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what arrangements he proposes to make for the recruitment of the chief executive officer of the Network Design and Procurement Group announced in the Digital Britain White Paper; and what the salary scale for the post will be. (281751)

As set out in the Digital Britain report, the Government will by the end of October this year, seek to recruit a CEO for the Network Design and Procurement Group with network, procurement, delivery and management skills. The recruitment will follow standard procedures for public appointments.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what criteria he will use to select members of the Network Design and Procurement Group announced in the Digital Britain White Paper; and when he expects the appointment process to be complete. (281762)

[holding answer 23 June 2009]: Recruitment of the CEO for the Network Design and Procurement Group is the priority and an important role for the CEO will be to advise on and recruit people for the group with the skills required to deliver the Universal Service Commitment. I hope that the appointment process will be complete during the autumn.