§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
From what source their proposed women's "citizens' juries" will be funded and what will be their estimated annual budget; and
What impact they anticipate that their proposed women's "citizens' juries" will have upon the framing and determination of government policy.
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWomen's Citizens' juries are just one of a number of options we are considering for opening up a new dialogue with women. Any panels of this kind that are set up by Government would be funded with money voted by Parliament in the usual way. Our thinking is still at a preliminary stage and we are costing various alternatives. No annual budget has been set.
Panels including members of the public have already been used by health authorities to find out people's priorities for hospital spending and other health issues. The role of Womens' Citizens' juries would be to assess the impact of proposals and legislation on women and help to create a bond of trust between women and Government. We want to ensure that the views and experiences of women are taken into account when drawing up legislation.