HC Deb 17 June 2002 vol 387 c2W
Mrs. Calton

To ask the Minister for Women what steps the Government have taken to remove the barriers to women's membership of Parliament. [59079]

Ms Hewitt

The Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Bill completed its parliamentary stages on 28 January, and received Royal Assent in February. The Act enables political parties to use positive measures in the selection of candidates with an aim to reduce inequality in the numbers of men and women elected to our democratic institutions.