§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will publish the representations made by the Minister for Women to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on women in public appointments prior to publication of his recent report, "Quangos: Opening the Doors". [50856]
§ Ms RuddockIt is not practice to disclose internal discussions between Ministerial colleagues.
One of the main priorities of the Ministers for Women is to increase the representation of women at all levels and in all areas. The Government have agreed in principle a ratio of 50:50 women and men for public appointments and a pro-rata representation of the ethnic minorities. This commitment was made public in 'Quangos: Opening Up Public Appointments', published 29 June.
This is a great step forward and we look forward to working with colleagues to ensure that the goal of 50:50 representation is reached.