§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will give the reasons for his omitting the membership of 12 area gas boards from the current list of members of public boards of a commercial character as at 1st January 1973, Command Paper 5207; and how many positions on these boards are held by men and how many by women, or organisations replacing them.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerThe Gas Council and the 12 area gas boards were dissolved on 31st December 1972 under120W the Gas Act 1972, and do not therefore appear in Command 5207. The Gas Act (Appointed Day) Order 1972 established the British Gas Corporation from 1st January 1973. The area gas boards were not replaced by any similar bodies.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he is aware that of the 36 public boards of a commercial character, detailed in Command Paper 5207 as at 1st January last, 341 positions are held by men and only five positions held by women; and if he will take steps to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerI am aware of the number of men and women serving on the public boards of a commercial character listed in Command Paper 5207. I regret that it has not been possible to appoint more than five women. However, I would not wish to recommend to those of my colleagues responsible for making the appointments in question that they should change their policy of choosing the man or woman best qualified for a public appointment, irrespective of any other consideration.