Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philip Hollobone and Tom Brake

Thursday 21st January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Tom Brake]

I hope that everyone in this place has learned the lessons of PFI. Again, it is not for me to work out what the financial arrangements are going to be, but clearly PFI may well be one of the more expensive options. I hope that the Treasury will look at something that is perhaps more straightforward in funding these improvements.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

3. What steps the Commission is taking to promote gender equality on the Parliamentary estate.

[Tom Brake]

Equality, diversity and inclusion are core to the way in which the House of Commons service works. The Commission agreed a diversity and inclusion strategy that promotes gender equality, and receives regular updates on its delivery. Key measures include targets for the number of women in the senior pay bands, fair and open recruitment, and promotion of flexible working.

[Mr Hollobone]

If gender equality is core to the way in which the House of Commons works, why are only two members of the 12-member House of Commons Commission women?

[Tom Brake]

That is a good point, and in terms of the party appointees, it is for the political parties to respond to it. I am pleased, however, that the two lay people on the Commission are women, as the hon. Gentleman indicated.