§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) female and (b) male appointments he has made; and if he will make a statement. [44600]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesSince 1 May 1997, I have made 96 new appointments. Of these, 36 were women and 60 men. I have also approved the re-appointments of existing members (23 women and 79 men) where they met the criteria.
The proportion of women in public appointments in Wales has risen from 26 per cent. in December 1997 to 29 per cent. in June 1998. We are making progress but I am not complacent. I have pledged to redouble our efforts to encourage more women to come forward so that I can balance, wherever possible, the numbers of men and women appointed.