Scotland Bill

Debate between Lord Wallace of Tankerness and Lord Curry of Kirkharle

Tuesday 28th February 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Wallace of Tankerness]

I give way to the noble Lord, who may be able to shed light on this.

[Lord Curry of Kirkharle]

As the first Crown Estate commissioner who will be appointed under Nolan rules, I can say that those rules apply absolutely to the appointments to the Crown Estate. It is a very open and transparent process and, in Scotland, an agency would be used and it would be publicly advertised to try to attract the best people to that post. If there are those who are considered appropriate, the agency would try to approach and encourage those with suitable skills to apply for the position.

[Lord Wallace of Tankerness]

I am grateful to the noble Lord for that explanation. Indeed, the commissioners are appointed under the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments code. I hope that that gives the assurance sought by the noble Lord, Lord Foulkes, and my noble friend Lord Forsyth—but maybe not.