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Equality Bill [Lords]

Indeed. Such positive examples are greatly to be welcomed. It is part of the responsibility of educational institutions to assist in redressing that gap. The Bill is extremely important and could make a dramatic difference. I am disappointed that it does not refer specifically to Parliament, but I hope nevertheless that we will take the opportunity of examining the other scandal of our under-representation in this country. According to the Hansard Society report ““Women at the Top””, Britain is 51st in the worldwide table of political representation. Less than 20 per cent. of our MPs are female. In Rwanda, the figure is more than 48 per cent.; in Sweden 45 per cent. of the Government are female; and in Iraq 32 per cent. of MPs are women. The Opposition have managed to achieve only 9 per cent. Labour is keeping the percentages up, although we wish to go further. I hope the matter will be taken up. Perhaps the Conservative leadership candidates should duck the issue of boxers or briefs, and consider more seriously the representation of women. I welcome the Bill and hope it will encourage all of us to do more and to promote greater equality in the future.