HC Deb 20 March 1972 vol 833 cc277-8W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (1) if he is aware that nine men and two women serve as members of the Independent Television Authority; whether he intends that

Male Female Children Total
General Surgery … … … … 258 189 53 500
Gynecology … … … … — 738 — 738
Dentistry … … … … 39 57 5 101
Ophthalmology … … … … 31 71 21 123
Ear Nose and Throat … … … … 1,026 682 1,546 3,254
Traumatic and Orthopaedic … … … … 103 218 61 382
5,098

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 seven men and three women serve as members of the British Broadcasting Corporation; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes.

Mr. Chataway

I am aware of the number of men and women serving on the public boards for which I am responsible. The Government's policy in selecting people for public appointments is to choose the man or woman best qualified for the appointement, irrespective of any other consideration and I shall continue to implement this policy in making appointments within my field of responsibility.