§ Sir G. Howeasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will specify, in relation to the consumer and consultative councils, national and regional, in the gas and electricity industries (1) as at 1st January 1973 and 1st March 1974, the numbers and percentage of women included in their membership, (2) as between the two dates quoted, the number of new members appointed, stating how many women are included in each group, and (3) the numbers of women included in each group whose ages fell between 20 and 30, 30 and 40, 40 and 50, and over 50 years of age.
§ Mr. VarleyThis information is not readily available.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is aware that seven men and one woman were members on the most recent available date of statutory boards to which he makes appointments; and if he 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 he appoints members to such boards.
§ Mr. VarleyI am aware of the number of women on the public boards for which I am responsible and will see that women are selected for appointment wherever they are the most suitable candidates.