§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what public consultations are planned with(a) women's bodies and (b) other interested representative bodies prior to deciding United Kingdom policy in regard to the UN's fourth world conference on women in Beijing. [23699]
§ Miss WiddecombeThroughout the preparatory process for the fourth UN world conference on women, the Government have been in continuous dialogue with women's non-governmental organisations and other interested groups. We consulted widely on the UK national report for the world conference which was released last September, and have invited comments on the draft global platform for action. Members of the delegation to the recent preparatory meeting of the commission on the status of women are meeting NGOs this week to discuss the outcome of that meeting.
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment which non-governmental organisations have been in contact with the Government in respect of the UN's fourth world conference on women in Beijing this year. [23696]
§ Miss WiddecombeA wide range of non-governmental organisations have contacted the Government regarding the fourth UN world conference on women.