§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he(a) has established and (b) published a baseline for policy appraisal against which to measure progress on equal treatment. [94859]
§ Mr. ByersThe Government are committed to ensuring that their policies are fair and inclusive, and focus on public service users, not providers. This aim is contained in guidance (published in 1998) which helps Departments consider the impact of their policies by gender, ethnicity and disability. In addition to considering impact, the guidance encourages consultation with women's groups and others where appropriate and action to deal with any differential impact if this appears appropriate. My Department applies the principles set out in the guidance in developing its policies. For example, a gender impact assessment was included in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Employment Relations Bill. We are also making increasing use of consultation, research projects and disaggregated statistics to identify the likely impact of policy.
140W
Year Asset Value (£) 1997–98 Surplus IT equipment 4,100 Surplus library books 750 Disposals of the same type, but probably of a lower magnitude, are expected to continue in 1999–2000 and 2000–01.
In 1999–2000, sales of office furniture and office equipment to the value of £20,000 have taken place following the closure of the Government Property Lawyers' Agency. No further sales resulting from this closure are planned. No major sales of assets took place prior to 1997–98. Details of minor and routine sales over the period 1991–92 to 1997–97 are not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate costs.