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The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report and the attached statistics.

1.  The Committee notes from the Government’s report that a new draft Labour Code is being discussed by Parliament which contains a definition of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value, as set out in the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide it with a copy of the Labour Code when it is adopted.

2.  The Committee notes the Government’s indications concerning the results of the statistical surveys covering the period 1994-98, which reveal a difference in the level of average wages of between 25 and 32 per cent for men and women, and a concentration of women in relatively low-paid jobs, while men occupy more jobs with higher wages. The Committee also notes the indications concerning the sectors in which more women work, including administration, agriculture, the manufacturing industry, commerce, health and teaching. It asks the Government to provide it with a copy of these statistical studies, as well as information on the specific measures taken or envisaged to promote the access of women to higher level jobs and to jobs in different sectors.

3.  The Committee notes that Schedule No. 1 to Government Order No. 749 of 23 October 1998 establishes the criteria to be taken into account for the determination of basic wages, and indicators for the establishment of performance standards. The Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of this text and also asks it to indicate the scope of its application.

4.  The Committee notes that the Directorate for Equality of Opportunity of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, with the financial assistance of USAID, organized a seminar in May 2000 entitled "Integration of equality of opportunity into the activities of the labour inspectorate" and that it is preparing the publication of a practical guide on the promotion of gender equality in collaboration with the Women’s Institute of Spain. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on these activities and on any other action which has been undertaken or is envisaged by the Directorate for Equality of Opportunity. The Committee also notes the preparation by the National Scientific Research Institute of three studies on the economic activities of women and asks the Government to provide information on the conclusions of these studies and on any action taken to give effect to them.

5.  Finally, the Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain information on the Bill concerning equality of opportunities for women and men, which was mentioned in its 1997 report as being submitted to Parliament for adoption, and it asks the Government to indicate the status of the Bill.