HC Deb 20 November 1972 vol 846 cc318-9W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he is aware that, out of a total of 33 members on the Post Office Users National Council, there are only four women; and if he will review the membership with a view to increasing the number of women.

Sir J. Eden

Yes.

Mr. Bishop

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (1) what is the total number of members of the Post Office Users Council for Wales and Monmouthshire; how many and what percentage of the total are women; if he will give the grounds on which members are appointed; and if he will consider the appointment of more women to the council;

(2) what is the total number of members of the Post Office Users Council for Scotland; how many and what percentage of the total are women; if he will give the grounds on which members are appointed; and if he will consider the appointment of more women to the council;

(3) what is the total number of members of the Post Office Users Council for Northern Ireland; how many and what percentage of the total are women; if he will give the grounds on which members are appointed; and if he will consider the appointment of more women to the council.

Sir J. Eden

The present membership of the Post Office Users' Council for Scotland totals 20, including four women; for Wales and Monmouthshire 21, including three women; and for Northern Ireland 23, including three women. Members are chosen to represent as broad as possible a cross section of users of Post Office services. The initial appointments to these users' councils expire next summer: I will bear in mind the hon. Member's suggestion when I review them.