§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if an action plan for increasing the representation of women in public life has been(a) prepared by her Department and (b) published since November 1998. [94855]
§ Marjorie MowlamThis Government are committed to the equal representation of women and men in public appointments. A plan of action has been drawn up, which includes individual departmental plans for increasing the participation of women in public life. Details of individual departments' are given in "Quangos: Opening up Public Appointments, 1999–2000", published by the Cabinet Office in May 1999. Copies are in the Libraries of the House and on the internet. The plans contain specific goals and objectives for increasing the representation of women on the boards of public bodies, and are updated annually in the light of progress made.