HC Deb 02 April 1973 vol 854 cc23-4
19. Miss Fookes

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he is satisfied with the progress made in implementing the report of the Committee on the Employment of Women in the Civil Service.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

I am satisfied but not complacent. The Civil Service's treatment of its women employees makes it one of the leading employers in the country in this respect. The recommendations of the committee are being implemented and mean equality of pensions and allowances, more generous maternity leave, and encouragement for women to resume their careers after the early years of marriage. All Departments have been asked to eliminate working arrangements which may hinder the career development of women.

Miss Fookes

I thank my hon. Friend for that fairly encouraging report. Is he satisfied that women are given the opportunity to reach the upper echelons of the Civil Service, as opposed to the middle and lower ranks?

Mr. Baker

My hon. Friend will no doubt have seen the announcement on Saturday that Miss Eleanor Emery has been appointed High Commisioner of Botswana. I can assure my hon. Friend that over 300 women have posts in the Civil Service with salaries over £4,000 a year.