HC Deb 29 April 1998 vol 311 cc161-2W
Jackie Ballard

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what percentage of the (i) paid and (ii) unpaid appointments which he has made to non-departmental public bodies since 1 May 1997 were women. [39409]

Mr. Milburn

Of the paid appointments made to the Department's non-departmental bodies since I May 1997, 13 (26 per cent.) were filled by women. Of the unpaid appointments made to the Department's non-departmental public bodies since 1 May 1997, 36 (86 per cent.) were filled by women.

We are committed to increasing the representation of women in public life. In support of this, the Department is currently drawing up an action plan for increasing the number of women holding public appointments.