§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the subject of each gender impact assessment drawn up by his Department since June 1997, stating in each case whether the outcome has been(a) put out to consultation and (b) published. [91680]
§ Ms JowellThe Government are committed to ensuring their policies are fair and inclusive and responsive to this issue. This aim is contained in guidance (published 1998) which helps Departments consider the impact of their policies on women and other groups, and is a cornerstone of the Modernising Government White Paper.
The Women's Unit undertook to supplement this general guidance by developing more specific guidelines for policy makers on how to consider the needs and requirements of women.
A cross-departmental project led by the Women's Unit will produce these guidelines by drawing together principles of good practice and will illustrate their application through a series of case studies.
Final guidelines on gender impact appraisal together with a project report and the progress being made by Departments to assess the impact of their policies on women will be circulated to Government Departments and placed in the Library when complete.
Progress will also be reflected in future Modernising Government milestone reports.