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Media Information
28th May 2003

NEW CONVENER FOR THE STANDARDS COMMISSION

Professor Lorne Crerar has been appointed as the new Convener of The Standards Commission for Scotland, Minister for Finance and Public Services, Andy Kerr announced today.

The Minister said:

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Crerar as Convener of the Standards Commission for Scotland.

Promoting high standards in public life is essential in order to secure a strong sense of trust from the people of Scotland. As a relatively new organisation, the Standards Commission for Scotland has a vital role to play in securing high standards in Scottish public life. Professor Crerar's role as Convener will clearly be an important one."

Professor Crerar who has been a member of the Standards Commission since its establishment in January 2002, replaces Professor Hugh Begg who has been Convener of the Commission for the past 18 months and has successfully overseen the establishment of the Commission and the production of guidance to assist councillors and members of public bodies in adhering to the new ethical standards framework which was launched on 1 May 2003.

Andy Kerr added:

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Begg for all his sterling work over the last 18 months in preparing the Standards Commission, councils and public bodies to uphold the new ethical standards framework."

Professor Crerar's appointment will commence on 2 June 2003. The Standards Commission's headquarters is in Rosyth.

Notes to News Editors

1. The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 introduced a new ethical framework to Scotland. The Act underlines the strong commitment to the promotion of high standards in public life by the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Parliament. Key elements of the Act were the statutory Codes of Conduct and the establishment of the Standards Commission for Scotland.

2. Biographical details of the key players are as follows:

Professor Lorne Crerar - new Convener has been a member of the Standards Commission since January 2002. Professor Crerar is a Managing Partner and Senior Banking Law Partner with Harper MacLeod Solicitors and a part-time Professor of Law at Glasgow University. He has held a number of appointments including membership of the Housing Improvement Task Force and Deputy Chair of Scottish Enterprise Glasgow.

Professor Hugh MacKemmie Begg - outgoing Convener - has held the following appointments: Reporter - Scottish Office Inquiry Reporters Unit, The External Complaints Adjudicator, Scottish Enterprise, Private Legislator Procedure (Scotland) Extra-Parliamentary Panel, Visiting Professor in Economics, Consultant UN Development Project, Member Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland. He was previously Professor and Head of School of Town and Regional Planning, Assistant Director of Planning and Development, Lecturer in Economics etc.

3. Appointments to the Standards Commission are remunerated. The Convener receives £9,345 per annum for a 3 day a month commitment to the Commission's work. Professor Crerar's appointment to the Commission will expire on 17 January 2005 as will those of the other members. Professor Crerar has indicated that he has not been involved in any political activities during the last 5 years.

Contact: Bill Stitt: 0131 244 2672
Internet: www.scotland.gov.uk