asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that 29 men and one woman serve as members of the British Council; whether he intends that women should be given an equal opportunity to serve when new appointments are made; and what action he proposes.

Under its Royal Charter and Bye-Laws the Council's Executive consists of up to 30 members, the large majority of whom are elected by the Committee, though some are nominees of certain Ministers, including my right hon. Friend. I am advised that the Council is conscious of the present imbalance between the sexes and is considering how this might be remedied.Her Majesty's Government's policy in selecting people for public appointment's is to choose the man or woman best qualified for the appointment, irrespective of any other consideration.