§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to ensure that all lists of candidates for public appointments in Wales contain equal numbers of men and women.
§ Mr. David HuntAll public appointments are made on the basis of aptitude and merit. In addition to those overriding criteria, other factors are taken into account.
I have agreed an action plan designed to increase the proportion of public appointments held by women. As part of this, officials are required to include at least two women in the shortlist of candidates.