§ Mr. SimmondsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is being taken to encourage disabled people to stand for public appointments. [56147]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 13 May 2002]The Government are committed to encouraging people from all sections of society to participate in public life, particularly those from under-represented groups. Specific goals and objectives to increase the number of disabled candidates appointed to public bodies which come under the auspices of the Department were included in Public Bodies: Opening up Public Appointments 2002–2005' a copy of which is in the Library.