Corporate Boards (Diversity)

Michelle Donelan Excerpts

Wednesday 28th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Michelle Donelan (Chippenham) (Con)]

I, too, commend the hon. Gentleman on the brilliant choice of topic for debate. Is there not a danger of examining the symptoms rather than the cause here, which could mean that we end up with the less competent on boards? Should we not be trying to inspire and encourage a range of people on to boards by targeting education and looking at the beginning of the process, which explains why these people are not succeeding in getting to that higher level?

[Mr Umunna]

I am afraid that there are simply too many people out there with the talent and ability who are not being appointed. That is the reality of the situation in 2015.

--- Later in debate ---

[Anna Soubry]

I was just thinking that you would love to attend that, Mr Speaker. I would love to attend as well, so we will see whether that can be arranged.

[Michelle Donelan]

While assessing the solutions, does the Minister agree that quotas are demeaning and do not foster the necessary culture of diversity?

[Anna Soubry]

I absolutely agree. I do not like quotas or targets, but that does not mean that I do not like ambitions—there is an important subtlety in that word. That is why I had no difficulty with some of the great campaigns to get more women into this place or on to boards. I have no difficulty with a hard drive behind ambition, but I absolutely would not go down the route of having strict legal quotas.