HC Deb 20 March 1972 vol 833 cc275-6W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is aware that 18 men and only two women serve as members of the Arts Council of Great Britain; whether she intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action she proposes.

Mr. van Straubenzee

There are at present 17 members of the Arts Council of Great Britain, of whom two are women. The best people for the job whether they are men or women will continue to be appointed.

Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if she is aware that 12 men and no women serve as members of the Medical Research Council; whether she intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action she proposes;

(2) if she is aware that 14 men and one woman serve as members of the Social Science Research Council; whether she intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action she proposes;

(3) if she is aware that 17 men and no women serve as members of the Science Research Council; whether she intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action she proposes;

(4) if she is aware that 18men and no women serve as members of the Agricultural Research Council; whether she intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action she proposes;

(5) if she is aware that 17 men and no women serve as members of the National Environment Research Council; whether she intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action she proposes.

Mrs. Thatcher

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 and I shall continue to implement this policy in making appointments within my field of responsibility. There are two women members of the Social Science Research Council.

Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is aware that 11 men and no women serve as members of the National Theatre Board; whether she intends that women should be given anequal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action she proposes.

Mr. van Straubenzee

There are at present ten members of the National Theatre Board. Members, whether men or women, are appointed entirely on merit and for the contributions they are likely to make.