§ 21. Fiona MactaggartTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister for Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of public appointments made since 1997 have been women; and if he will make a statement. [15997]
§ Mr. LeslieThe information requested by my hon. Friend is not available in the form required. However, as at 31 March 2000, 33 per cent. of public appointments were held by women, compared to 32 per cent. as at September 1997 and 23 per cent. in 1992.
The Government are committed to the goal of achieving equal representation of men and women in public appointments. All Departments have individual plans containing details of the measures being taken to increase the representation of women and other currently under-represented groups on the boards of their public bodies. New departmental action plans for the period 2002 to 2005 will be published next year.