HC Deb 27 October 1986 vol 103 cc18-9
39. Mr. Coombs

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will encourage women to offer themselves as candidates to the public appointment unit.

The Minister of State, Privy Council Office (Mr. Richard Luce)

Yes, Sir. The Government are keen to extend the role of women in advisory and policy-making bodies.

Mr. Coombs

Will my right hon. Friend confirm recent newspaper reports that the Prime Minister is taking a particular interest in this matter? Is he aware of the organisation called Women in Public Life, and does he support its objectives? Does my right hon. Friend see the public appointments unit carrying out its responsibility in that area by giving extra publicity to the desire to see more women enter the Civil Service and other aspects of public life?

Mr. Luce

I am grateful to my hon. Friend, and I congratulate him on the lead that he is taking on this important issue. It is true that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is taking a close interest and would like more women to be appointed to these positions of importance. I have noted the organisation, Women in Public Life, the work that it is doing and the conference that it recently held. The public appointments unit now has on its register 5,000 men but only 1,000 women and special efforts are being made to obtain more names for that list. I hope that if hon. Members have any names they will let me know.

Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

Will the Minister give an assurance that the Prime Minister, as evidence of her sincerity in this matter, will seek to appoint a women as the new vice-chairman of the Tory party?

Mr. Luce

There are only certain things that I am answerable for, and on this occasion I shall stick to my brief.

Mr. Stokes

In view of tomorrow's business, am I right in assuming that the public appointments unit does not cover any ecclesiastical appointments?

Mr. Luce

As far as I am aware it does not cover any ecclesiastical appointments, but I shall confirm that to my hon. Friend.