HC Deb 24 May 1993 vol 225 c567
33. Mr. Burns

To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on equal opportunity policy in the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Solicitor-General

The Crown Prosecution Service is an equal opportunities employer and recruits and promotes staff on merit regardless of race, gender or disability.

Mr. Burns

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that it is enlightening that the Director of Public Prosecutions, the head of the Crown Prosecution Service, is female? Could he tell us more about the flexible practices that the CPS exercises to encourage and facilitate the employment of female staff?

The Solicitor-General

My hon. Friend is right. The Crown Prosecution Service is led by an energetic, dedicated and articulate Director of Public Prosecutions who was selected in open competition and was awarded her post on merit. There are many initiatives to make a post more attractive to women. Over 60 per cent. of people in the Crown Prosecution Service are women. About 40 per cent. of its lawyers, including 33 per cent. of principal Crown prosecutors, are women.