HC Deb 20 June 2003 vol 407 c492W
Mrs. Lait

To ask the Minister for Women what action she has taken to encourage ministerial colleagues to include women's organisations in their consultation process relating to the work of their departments. [115845]

Ms Hewitt

As Minister for Women, I take every opportunity to encourage my ministerial colleagues to include women in their departmental consultations. This follows guidelines issued by the Cabinet Office and by the Women and Equality Unit. The Women's National Commission (WNC), works with Government departments to ensure that there is an active dialogue with women during the course of consultations in policy-making.