§ Q9. Mr. Pounderasked the Prime Minister if the proposed post of Parliamentary Commissioner will be open to women.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. PounderNot even the Prime Minister could say "No" to a woman. Would he not agree, however, that there are many women who have the qualifications, experience and qualities which make them well suited for the post of Parliamentary Commissioner?
§ The Prime MinisterIn reply to the preamble to that question, not only myself but most of my predecessors have sometimes had to say "No" with the greatest regret to the hon. Lady the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward). We can do it when we have to. I am, of course, completely aware of what the hon. Member has said. What we have to do is to choose the best man or woman for the job regardless of the sex to which he or she belongs.
§ Dame Irene WardMay I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman for once? Women always want either the best man or the best woman for the job, but they do want equal opportunity.
§ The Prime MinisterI assure the hon. Lady that that will be the intention concerning this post. She has, however, probably noticed the Clause in the Bill which, under the ancient laws of our country, would preclude any serving Member of this House from being appointed to the post.
§ Mr. GrimondIs the Prime Minister aware that this is indeed a most suitable post for a woman, who is far better able to create an effective row than most men, and that if he would get in touch with me in confidence I should be delighted to give him a short list of suitable women?
§ The Prime MinisterWhile hoping that the right hon. Gentleman's last few words will never be quoted out of context, here or anywhere else, I should certainly be prepared to receive any list of persons whom it would be suitable to appoint, be they men or women.
§ Mrs. Anne KerrI should like to thank my right hon. Friend for his first response to this Question. I wonder whether he is aware that very large numbers of women's organisations and also of individual women feel strongly on this matter and would very much like to see a woman appointed to the post, and that they feel, moreover, that women should be appointed to whatever type of board this organisation sets up.
§ The Prime MinisterThe board will, of course, be a Select Committee of this House, which, like the original appointment, will be open to all on grounds of merit.