asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that 14 men and one women serve as members of the British Museum; 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 24 trustees of the British Museum, of whom three are women.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. I shall continue to implement this policy in making appointments within my field of responsibility.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that 18 men and no women serve as directors of the Bank of England; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes.

Yes. I shall continue to recommend to The Queen that those best qualified, irrespective of any other consideration, should be appointed to the Court of the Bank of England.