§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [91683]
§ Mr. StrawI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to her on 22 July 1999,Official Report, column 636, by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Health.
As lead department for race equality issues, the Home Office is committed to ensuring that through the impact of its policies, all sections of society are treated equally. The Department is working closely with the Women's Unit to develop good practice for carrying out gender impact appraisal.
Policy appraisal for equal treatment—including the impact of policies on women—is an integral part of policy development. Guidance was issued throughout the department on 4 December 1998 and is part of the department's policy development checklist.