§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that 10 men and only one woman served as members of the Commonwealth Development Corporation according to the List of Members of Public Boards of a Commercial Character as at 1st January last (Cmnd. 4611); what changes have taken place since; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when 46W new appointments are made; and what action he proposes.
§ Mr. WoodYes. Since 1st January, 1971, Sir Eric Griffith-Jones has been appointed Deputy Chairman in place of Mr. C. J. M. Bennett, who continues as a member of the board. The Government's policy is to choose the person best qualified for appointment to the corporation in the light of the requirements of Section 1 of the Overseas Resources Development Act, 1959, irrespective of any other consideration.