Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Letwin and Helen Hayes

Wednesday 15th June 2016 Commons Chamber

[Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab)]

T5. The backward steps in gender inequality at the top of the civil service are unacceptable. Will the Minister release the gender breakdown of those who were shortlisted for the role of permanent secretary so that we can have further transparency on this important issue?

[Mr Letwin]

As I said to the House a few moments ago, we will take that serious suggestion away and come back with a view about whether it is possible to release those data without compromising individual sensibilities. I am absolutely with the hon. Lady that we need to see more women joining the ranks of the permanent secretaries, and as I mentioned to her, it is of great importance that the directors general are now much better distributed in a gender balance.