37. Dr. HarrisWhat progress has been made in increasing the proportion of women appointed to non-departmental public bodies since 1997. [76457]
§ Ms HewittAt 31 March 2001, as set out in Public Bodies 2001, 34 per cent of appointments were held by women, this is 2 per cent. up since 1997.
We are determined to deliver on our aim that women should hold 45–50 per cent. of public appointments made by the majority of Government departments by the end of 2005 and to address any constraints on diversity and equal representation.
Throughout 2002, we have led a national outreach campaign on women and public appointments, we have reached over 2000 women across the country and the vast majority have said they are now more likely to apply for public appointments.