HC Deb 03 December 1973 vol 865 c273W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will detail for each of the regional water authorities the number of men and the number of women employed, respectively ; and whether the ratio reflects his criteria of qualification and suitability in view of the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to sex discrimination.

Mr. Rippon

I have listed below the number of men and women members so far appointed to the nine regional water authorities, distinguishing between those appointed by Her Majesty's Government and those appointed by local authorities :

Regional Water Authority Men Women
NORTHUMBRIAN
Her Majesty's Government 7 1
Local authorities 7 1
SEVERN TRENT
Her Majesty's Government 14 2
Local authorities 19 1
THAMES
Her Majesty's Government 14 2
Local authorities 36 1
SOUTH WEST
Her Majesty's Government 5 1
Local authorities 8
NORTH WEST
Her Majesty's Government 12
Local authorities 14
YORKSHIRE
Her Majesty's Government 11
Local authorities 9
ANGLIAN
Her Majesty's Government 16
Local authorities 17
SOUTHERN
Her Majesty's Government 8
Local authorities 10
WESSEX
Her Majesty's Government. 6
Local authorities 8

The members appointed by Her Majesty's Government were chosen on the basis of their knowledge and experience of water and related services.