§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of his appointees to public bodies are women; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 17 February 1993]: Figures in "Public Bodies"—published on 29 January 1993; copy available in the Library—show that at 1 September 1992, 36 per cent. of those appointed to public bodies under the auspices of the Scottish Office were women. Of those appointments directly controlled by the Secretary of State —that is, leaving aside those members nominated or appointed by other organizations–40 per cent. were held by women. The Government aim to increase the number of public appointments held by women, while continuing to make all appointments on the basis of aptitude and merit.