§ Jackie BallardTo ask the President of the Council if an action plan for increasing the representation of women in public life has been(a) prepared by her Department and (b) published since November 1998. [94846]
§ Mrs. BeckettIt is made clear to all bodies making recommendations for appointments or reappointments that they should consider whether women are properly represented on the bodies concerned. Of the 149 appointments made by Her Majesty in Council, by the Privy Council or by me as President, 55 (37 per cent.) are currently held by women. This compares with the position five years ago when, of 141 such appointees, 43 (30 per cent.) were women.