§ Q109. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Prime Minister what measures have been taken by her to implement articles 82, 83 and 86 of the 1975 world plan of action for the United Nations Decade for Women; and if she will appoint a Minister to co-ordinate inter-departmental initiatives and to implement a legislative programme in accordance with the United Nations convention on the eradication of all forms of discrimination against women.
§ Mr. Altonasked the Prime Minister whether she will appoint a Cabinet Minister to co-ordinate interdepartmental initiatives in improving the status of women and implementing a legislative programme in accordance with the United Nations convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government have made it clear that the education service should provide genuinely equal opportunities for boys and girls. The educational 101W provisions of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 have played a significant part in encouraging schools and teachers to offer such equal opportunities. The detail of teaching materials and approaches are, however, for local determination.
I do not intend to appoint a Minister to co-ordinate initiatives. The Home Secretary has general responsibility for equal opportunities, but it is right that, if action is needed in any area, it should be carried out by the Minister with the relevant departmental responsibility.