To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has made in preparations for his Department's implementation of the gender equality duty in April; and if he will make a statement. (116257)

The Treasury's progress in preparation for the implementation of the gender equality duty includes, as an employer, having in place effective monitoring systems to ensure employment processes and practices meet the gender equality duty. In issuing guidance to Departments, on the CSR process and PSAs the Treasury has underlined the statutory responsibilities under the equality duties, and refers Departments to the detailed information on implementing the gender equality duty published by the Equal Opportunities Commission.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to raise awareness of the gender equality duty across his Department and its agencies and non-departmental public bodies. (116258)

Work is under way in the Treasury to ensure the requirements of the forthcoming duty on gender equality are met. The Treasury has in place, and is implementing, a plan to enhance diversity in the Department. As part of this, an internal equalities seminar has been organised and will take place in February 2007. The seminar will raise awareness about all the equality duties and be addressed by speakers from the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Disability Rights Commission and the Commission for Racial Equality.

Treasury officials are also 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 and raise awareness. All have confirmed that this work is under way.