§ Mr. Bishopasked the Prime Minister if he will list the public boards established under statutory authority, giving the number of men and the number of women members ; and if he will ensure that there is an appropriate balance between the sexes when further appointments are made.
§ The Prime MinisterThe cost of preparing such a list would be disproportionate. However, I would refer the hon. Member to the White Paper on Public Boards (Cmnd. 4611) which lists the members of public boards of a commercial character as at 1st January, 1971. The Government's policy in selecting people for public appointments is to choose the man or woman best qualified for the appointment, irrespective of any other consideration.