§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that 422 men and five women served as members of the 49 authorities whose membership was detailed in the List of Members of Public Boards of a Commercial Character as at 1st January, 1971 (Cmnd. 4611); what is the total of changes that have taken place since; whether it is the policy of his administration that equal opportunities should be given to men and women when appointments are made; and what action he proposes in this matter.
§ Mr. CarlisleThere were some 40 fewer men serving on these boards than the hon. Member suggests. A list of the 67W changes made in the membership of the boards since 1st January, 1971, was sent to the hon. Member on 16th December. In selecting people for public appointments the policy of the Government is to choose the man or woman best qualified for the appointment, irrespective of any other consideration.