CLARKE, Rt Hon Thomas CBE, JP

Member for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill since 1997. Committees: Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Learning Disabilities and the Parliamentary Friends of CAFOD Group; Chair, All-Party Iraqi Kurdistan Group 2002-10; Secretary, All-Party Angola Group 2002; former Chairperson, Parliamentary Labour Party Foreign, Commonwealth and European Committee. Political career: Minister of State, (Film and Tourism), Department of National Heritage/for Culture, Media and Sport 1997-98; Shadow Cabinet Minister for Disabled Peoples Rights 1995-97; Shadow Secretary of State for International Development 1993-94, for Scotland 1992-93; Principal Opposition Spokesperson for Development and Co-operation 1993-94; Shadow Minister, UK Personal Social Services 1987-92; Member for Monklands West 1983-97, and for Coatbridge and Airdrie by-election 1982-83; President, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities 1978-80; Provost of Monklands 1974-82; Councillor, Monklands District Council 1974-82, and Coatbridge Town Council 1964-74. Special political interests: Film industry, foreign affairs, civil service, local and regional government, central America, Philippines, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, USA, Peru, South Africa, Indonesia, Scotland. Profession/Trade: Film executive. Title/Honours/Decorations: Fellow, Industry and Parliamentary Trust; CBE 1980; JP 1972. Education: Scottish College of Commerce; Columba High School, Coatbridge. Publications Director of: award-winning amateur film, Give us a Goal. Affiliations: Member, GMB; Assistant Director, Scottish Council for Educational Technology. Hobbies: Films, walking, reading, astrology, member of Coatbridge Municipal Golf Club. b. 10 January 1941, Coatbridge.