asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is aware that nine men and one woman serve as members of the Housing Corporation; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes; (2) if he is aware that 12 men and no women serve as members of the National Ports Council; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes;(3) if he is aware that 17 men and no women serve as members of the National Building Agency; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes.

There are at present 12 men and no women members of the National Building Agency; 7 men and one woman members of the Housing Corporation, and 9 men and no women members of the National Ports Council. The Government's policy in selecting people for public appointments is to choose the man or woman best qualified for the appointment, irrespective of any other consideration, and this policy will continue to be implemented in making appointments within my field of responsibility.