§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library copies of gender impact assessments which have been undertaken in respect of legislation introduced in this Parliament; if he will make it his policy to do so in respect of future legislation; and if he will make a statement. [47018]
§ Mr. McLeishWe are addressing the gender perspective in policy making through the cross-Departmental mainstreaming initiative which the Ministers for Women launched on 18 May. New guidelines have been formulated after wide consultation which the Scottish Office will adapt to suit Scottish circumstance and issue to all Scottish Office staff. The guidelines require Departments to:
- consider how policy proposals affect women
- consult with women's organisations and
- act upon that information to ensure that policy decisions reflect the views and interests of women.
The Scottish Office will contribute to an Annual Report to Parliament setting out progress on mainstreaming the women's perspective into Government policy making. The first report will be published after the end of this financial year.