DTI ANNOUNCE COAL AUTHORITY APPOINTMENTS

DTI Press Release states:

Helen Liddell, Minister for Energy and Competitiveness in Europe, today announced that John Harris will be the next Chairman of the Coal Authority. This is in succession to Sir David White, whose appointment expires in mid-September. The appointment is for five years from 19 September 1999.

Mrs. Liddell said:

"The Coal Authority has established a high reputation under Sir David White since its establishment in 1994, and I am confident that the skills and experiences that John Harris brings with him will stand the Authority in good stead in its future development."

Helen Liddell also announced an extension to the appointment of Tom Slee as a Member of the Coal Authority. Mr. Slee's appointment, which was to have ended on 31 October 1999, is to be extended until 30 June 2000.

Notes for Editors

1. John Harris, 63, is an executive director of Solace International (1992) Ltd., an international public sector consultancy organisation. He also holds a number of non-executive posts, including Chair of Northern Counties Housing Association Ltd., Chair of Governors of Ackworth Moor Top Community Special School and Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire. Mr. Harris is a solicitor, and was formerly Chief Executive and County Clerk of South Yorkshire County Council. Mr. Harris does not hold any current Ministerial appointments. He has undertaken political activity in the past five years by providing canvassing for Labour Party Members of Parliament.
2. Tom Slee, 58, a chartered accountant, is Chairman of the Coal Authority's Audit Committee. He is a non-executive director of Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd., and was formerly Finance Director of Pittencrieff Resources plc, an Edinburgh based oil and gas company. Mr. Slee holds one other Ministerial appointment. He is a member of the Enemy Property Claims Assessment Panel for which he receives remuneration of £125 per day. Mr. Slee has not undertaken any political activity in the past five years.
3. Mr. Harris will receive a salary of £25,000 for his appointment and Mr. Slee will continue to receive his current salary of £6,250.
4. The Coal Authority is a public body which is sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry. The Authority has five main responsibilities: