(10 years, 8 months ago)
Commons ChamberAppointments to the MPC should always be made on merit and—[Interruption.] Diversity is, of course, always an important consideration. Factors in decisions on appointing external members to the MPC include looking at career training and background as well as ethnicity and gender. [Interruption.] The Government would like to see more women on the MPC and will encourage them to apply. [Interruption.] It is also worth noting that four women have already been part of the MPC.
Following on from the previous question, how will the Government be encouraging more women to apply for jobs on the MPC?
Whenever there is a vacancy on the MPC, the Government look at encouraging women to apply and will often invite women to apply to ensure that we can make our best efforts to increase diversity.
(11 years, 2 months ago)
Commons ChamberI absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. One of the many things we share in common, apart from both being west midlands MPs, is that by the official measure I was also homeless as a child. I agree with his assessment that the best way out of poverty is through work and a growing economy.
Another excellent way out of poverty is giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds the best education possible. How many children are benefiting from the £2.5 billion that has been put into the pupil premium, which will, in the long term, boost their educational chances and their chances of obtaining work?
(13 years, 10 months ago)
Commons Chamber1. What funding his Department plans to provide for aid to north and south Sudan in 2011-12.
5. What funding his Department plans to provide for aid to north and south Sudan in 2011-12.