§ 12. Mr. BradyTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement following the publication of "Quangos: Opening up Public Appointments 2000–03". [128660]
§ Mr. Stringer"Opening up Public Appointments 2000–03" was published on 24 May. It contains the Government's updated plan for increasing the participation of women, members of the ethnic minorities and disabled people in public life.
The Government are keen to ensure that those serving on the boards of public bodies are as representative of society as possible. We are committed to the equal representation of women and men in public appointments and a pro-rata representation of members of the ethnic minorities. It also wants to encourage more disabled people to participate in public life.