HC Deb 10 July 1998 vol 315 cc669-70W
Jackie Ballard

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 24 June 1998, Official Report, columns 557–58, prior to 18 May, what mechanisms were used to determine how legislation passed in the current session would affect women; what consultation he had with women's organisations; and if he will make a statement. [49095]

Mrs. Liddell

Guidance on policy appraisal for equal treatment has been available since 1992. Application of the guidance has been the responsibility of individual Departments.

Within the Treasury use has been made of consultation and micro-simulation modelling in order to identify the impact of policy upon women. Officials had a number of meetings with members of the Women's Budget Group in the run-up to the March 1998 Budget.