§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales, 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. [49087]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesGuidance on policy appraisal for equal treatment has been available since 1992. The Welsh Office has had its own internal guidance in place since July 1994 on ensuring that equal opportunities are properly taken into account in framing policy and legislation.
I hold regular meetings with my hon. Friends the Members for Cardiff, North (Ms Morgan), for Conwy (Mrs. Williams), for Preseli Pembrokeshire (Ms Lawrence) and for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) to discuss a range of issues affecting women. I have also met representatives of the Equal Opportunities Commission Wales, the Wales Assembly of Women, the National Federation of Women's Institutes and Mewn Cymru. I took the views of equality organisations into account in framing the Government of Wales Bill, which includes specific provisions on equality of opportunity.
My Department is currently reviewing the mechanisms available to take forward mainstreaming of Departmental policies to provide a firm basis from which the National Assembly will work and is maintaining contact with the Equal Opportunities Commission Wales on this subject.