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Freemen's Guilds

Volume 464: debated on Thursday 11 October 2007

25. To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what recent estimate the Government have made of the proportion of women belonging to freemen's guilds in England; and if she will make a statement. (156865)

We have made no estimate of the proportion of women belonging to freemen’s guilds in England. Such information is not held centrally. We are aware that some guilds do not feel that they can admit the daughters of freemen, given the terms of their charter or custom in the area. We agree that such ancient traditions should not be restricted to men and will bear this in mind should a suitable legislative opportunity become available.