§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when her Department's action plan for increasing the number of women holding public appointments will be published; and if she will place a copy in the Library. [42813]
§ Mr. FieldThis Government are committed to widening the range of candidates applying for public appointments and encouraging more women and members of the ethnic minorities to put themselves forward for public office. This Department is currently drawing up an action plan which will set robust targets for increasing the number of women and members of the ethnic minorities holding public appointments. This will be published shortly and copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House.