Written question asked by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Monday, 23 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 June 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 26 June 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what criteria are to be used for the selection of members of the Iraqi council; and how many of those being considered are women.

Answer: Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria are to be used for the selection of members of the Iraqi council; and how many of those being considered are women. [121972] Mr. Rammell: The political council will be formed in consultation with representatives of a wide cross-section of Iraqi society and political groupings. We expect it to reflect Iraq's diversity, through the inclusion of representatives of the major ethnic and religious groups, geographical regions, women and professional people. The UK attaches a high priority to the effective representation of women. We are working with Iraqis, with our coalition partners and with the United Nations Special Representative to achieve this.

Secondary information