§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he has established a baseline for policy appraisal against which to measure progress on equal treatment; and what progress has been achieved; [44383]
§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the subject of each gender impact assessment drawn up by his Department since June 1997, indicating in each case whether the outcome has been (a) put out to consultation and (b) published. [44385]
§ Mr. McCartneyWithin the Department for Work and Pensions it has been for our separate agencies and businesses to adopt, as appropriate, the Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment guidelines issued in 1998. Detailed information about adherence to these guidelines, and to baselines, is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
However, this Department is fully committed to equal treatment in the conduct of all aspects of its business, be it policy development, staff management, or providing a service to its wide range of customers. Recent reforms to the child support system, bereavement benefits and pension sharing all embrace the principles of equal treatment. Gender is one strand to be considered along with race, disability, age and sexual orientation.