§ Jackie BallardTo ask the President of the Board of Trade, 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 she had with women's organisations; and if she will make a statement. [49091]
§ Mrs. BeckettGuidance on policy appraisal for equal treatment has been available in this Department since 1992.
Within the Department we are making increasing use of consultation, research projects and disaggregated statistics to identify the impact of policy on women. For example, in developing the proposals on maternity and parental rights in the White Paper, "Fairness at Work", we consulted key stakeholders including representatives of women's interests.
Similarly, the Low Pay Commission's recommendations for the national minimum wage, which the Government have accepted subject to consultation on the practicalities of implementation, were produced following extensive consultation, including with the Equal Opportunities Commission and women's organisations.