To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) his Department and (b) the non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies for which he is responsible are taking steps to meet the requirements of the forthcoming duty on public bodies (i) to end unlawful discrimination and harassment and (ii) to promote equality between women and men. (101547)

Work is under way in the Treasury to ensure the requirements of the forthcoming duty on gender equality are met. The Treasury will publish a Gender Equality Scheme by 30 April 2007.

Treasury officials are in contact with the non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies for which the Chancellor of the Exchequer is responsible to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to meet the requirements of the forthcoming duty on public bodies (i) to end unlawful discrimination and harassment and (ii) to promote equality between women and men. All have confirmed that this work is under way.