§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what specific measures he is taking to attract more women into the Overseas Development Administration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am anxious to provide the fullest possible opportunities for women to work in the ODA. Our equal opportunity policy is designed to ensure, among other things, that any barriers to women's career development are eliminated. We have for example provided flexible working arrangements, established holiday play schemes for employees' children and reduced seniority requirements for promotion. The number of women working in ODA permanent posts has increased by 13 per cent. since 1986. We also want to attract more women to overseas contract posts and are now implementing the recommendation of a study specially commissioned for that purpose.