§ Ms. Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the main needs of women in the policy areas within the sphere of his Department's activities; what has been done to identify and quantify these needs and to monitor services delivery; what consultation is carried out with women to ensure their views are adequately represented; and what training is given to his staff to raise their appreciation of the needs of women.
§ Mr. ChannonWomen have special needs relating to their use of public transport services and various road safety issues. These reflect factors such as more restricted access to private cars and greater fears for personal safety. These matters are given due weight in the formulation of policy on these issues, and in the monitoring of developments such as bus deregulation. The Department consults organisations representing the interests of women when this is appropriate although in general the policy is to consult organisations representing all those concerned with particular issues.
Equal opportunities training, including that designed to increase awareness of the needs of women, is included in all the Department's main management training courses.