§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that 177 men and seven women were members on the most recent available date of statutory boards to which he makes appointments; and if he will bear in mind Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding equality of opportunity for both sexes and the contribution which women can make when he appoints members to such boards.
§ Mr. CroslandThe present figures are 204 men and 26 women. This balance seems to me quite wrong, and I have the desirability of appointing more women very much in mind. Whenever a vacancy occurs suitable women candidates will be most carefully considered.