§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she is aware that 42 men and no women were members on the most recent available date of statutory boards to which she makes appointments; and if she will bear in mind Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding equality of opportunity for both sexes and the contribution which women can make when she appoints members to such boards.
§ Mr. O'Malley,pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th June 1974; Vol. 875, c. 51], gave the following information:
Women account for more than 17 per cent. of the total membership of the statutory bodies to which my right hon. Friend makes appointments.
She is fully aware of the Government's policy of equal opportunity for both sexes 491W and is seeking wherever possible to increase the proportion of women members.