§ Margaret MoranTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he intends to take to ensure that equality issues are integral to the work of regional assemblies. [65182]
§ Mr. RaynsfordAs stated in paragraph 7.17 of the Regional Governance White Paper, "Your Region, Your Choice", we are proposing that elected regional assemblies should be under a duty to exercise their general powers with due regard to the principle of equal opportunity for all (and to report annually on progress in fulfilling this duty); to eliminate unlawful discrimination; and to have regard to the need to promote equal opportunities for all persons irrespective of their race, gender. disability, age, sexual orientation or religion.
§ Margaret MoranTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he intends to take to ensure equal representation of women on regional assemblies. [65183]
§ Mr. RaynsfordAs stated in para 7.16 of the Regional Governance White Paper, "Your Region, Your Choice", the Government wants to encourage women, and other traditionally under-represented groups, to stand for election to regional assemblies. We are proposing that assembly members should be elected by the Additional Member System of Proportional Representation, which can facilitate diversity in the selection of candidates by political parties. We are also planning to apply the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2001 to regional assembly elections, so that a political party can choose to adopt positive measures that aim to reduce inequality in the numbers of men and women elected as candidates to the party.