Public Boards (Women Members)

HC Deb 17 January 1972 vol 829 cc47-8W

Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is aware that 13 men and no women served as members of the British Railways Board according to the List of Members of Public Boards of a Commercial Character as at 1st January, 1971 (Cmnd. 4611); what changes have taken place since; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes;

(2) if he is aware that nine men and no women served as members of the British Transport Docks Board according to the List of Members of Public Boards of a Commercial Character as at 1st January, 1971 (Cmnd. 4611); what changes have taken place since; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes;

(3) if he is aware that eight men and no women served as members of the British Waterways Board according to the List of Members of Public Boards of a Commercial Character as at 1st January, 1971 (Cmnd. 4611); what changes have taken place since; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes;

(4) if he is aware that five men and no women served as members of the Transport Holding Company according to the List of Members of Public Boards of a Commercial Character as at 1st January, 1971 (Cmnd. 4611); what changes have taken place since; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes;

(5) if he is aware that eight men and no women served as members of the National Bus Company according to the List of Members of Public Boards of a Commercial Character as at 1st January, 1971 (Cmnd. 4611); what changes have taken place since; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes;

(6) if he is aware that eight men and no women served as members of the National Freight Corporation according to the List of Members of Public Boards of a Commercial Character as at 1st January, 1971 (Cmnd. 4611); what changes have taken place since; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes.

Mr. Peyton

The next issue of the White Paper on Public Boards, shortly to be published, will show the position as at 1st January, 1972.

The Government's policy in selecting people for public appointments is after consultation with the chairmen concerned to choose the man or woman best qualified for the appointment irrespective of any other consideration and this policy will continue to be implemented in making appointments within my field of responsibility.