§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 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 this session would affect women; what consultation he had with women's organisations; and if he will make a statement. [49083]
§ Mr. MorleyThe guidelines to which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Women referred in her Answer were in place and reflected in Departmental guidelines prior to 18 May. The nature of the Department's responsibilities means that most of its legislative programme does not have a gender-specific impact. Nevertheless, in appropriate cases, national women's organisations have been consulted on proposed legislation.