HC Deb 16 July 1998 vol 316 c298W
Jackie Ballard

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, 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. [49084]

Mr. Alan Howarth

Guidance on policy appraisal for equal treatment has been available since 1992. Application of the guidance has been the responsibility of individual Departments.

We consult a wide range of organisations on the gender impact of our policies. We have also published, and make use of, disaggregated statistics which show gender differences across the whole spectrum of education, training and employment.

As an example of this, the Equal Opportunities Commission and Women's National Commission were included in the wide ranging consultation on the White Paper, "Excellence in Schools" which has formed the basis for much of the Teaching and Higher Education Bill and the Schools Standards and Framework Bill. Further consultation is planned on the regulations which will flow from the Bills and, where appropriate, women's groups will be included.

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