§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to the answer of 24 June 1998,Official Report, columns 557–58, prior to 18 May, what mechanisms were used to determine how legislation passed in the current session would affect women; what consultation he had with women's organisations; and if he will make a statement. [49089]
The Attorney-GeneralGuidance for policy appraisal for equal treatment has been available since 1992. Application of the guidance has been the responsibility of individual departments. The only item of legislation for which my department has been directly responsible, the Law Officers Act 1997, did not by its nature, raise an issue of possible differential impact on women.