Gender Balance among Non-Executive Directors (EUC Report)

Debate between Baroness Thornton and Baroness O'Cathain

Thursday 10th January 2013 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Thornton]

My Lords, this is the second debate we have had about this issue. I realise that this is the second report, which deals with a different matter, but it is important that we recognise that as we debate the need for gender balance in positions of leadership in business, this Parliament and this Government should acknowledge their own failings in this area. We have no room to be self-satisfied. With just 22% of our current MPs being women, and just four women—that is, 18%—in the Cabinet, we are on a long road.

[Baroness O'Cathain]

I thank the noble Baroness for giving way. This same argument came up before. This has nothing whatever to do with the place of women as non-executive directors on boards of listed companies. The opposition spokesperson in the other place went that way in his opening statement as well but then came firmly down against quotas and for the reasoned opinion.

Health: Passive Smoking

Debate between Baroness Thornton and Baroness O'Cathain

Tuesday 30th November 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Thornton]

My Lords, following the successful implementation of the smoking ban in all workplaces and public places in July 2007, which was opposed by many in the party opposite, will the Minister undertake—

[Baroness O'Cathain]

No.

[Baroness Thornton]

I except the noble Baroness, Lady O’Cathain, from that.

Will the Minister undertake to ensure that, under the proposals for GP commissioning, NHS smoking cessation services will continue to be effectively commissioned and funded and that nicotine products will continue to be prescribed?