asked Her Majesty's Government:Which individuals they have appointed as chairmen of government agencies and quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations since 1st January 1996; what, in each case, were the principal qualifications of the individuals for the job, the term of office and salary, and whether the appointment is full or part-time.

Since 1st January 1996, 515 people have been appointed or re-appointed to serve as chairmen/women of those organisations listed in the Cabinet Office publication Public Bodies. In each case, the individual has been selected on the basis of merit, having been carefully appraised against criteria set for the appointment which cover the qualities, skills, and experience required. No appointments of chairmen are made to next steps executive agencies. In view of the length of the list detailing the names of individuals and their appointments, I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the House library.