Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 22 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 June 2002. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 17 June 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry;Minister for Women

Question: To ask the Minister for Women, what steps the Government has taken to remove the barriers to women's membership of Parliament. - Inc ref to Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Bill.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information