Member

Amendment 22, tabled by the noble Baroness, Lady Smith, would see the nomination of commissioners from the House of Commons, the Welsh Senedd and the Northern Ireland Assembly via procedures to be determined by the Speaker of each legislature. The amendment would also require His Majesty to ensure equal representation of any individuals nominated in this manner by legislatures. The Government fully recognise the importance of ensuring that appropriate candidates are appointed to these significant public posts, and the need to ensure diverse representation on the board. However, allowing national Parliaments to nominate commissioners would risk politicising the Crown Estate. It is absolutely right that the Crown Estate remains free from direct political influence, as intended under the 1961 Act. Politicising appointments in this way would impede the ability of the organisation to operate independently.