and the effects of that change would be monitored; the new appraisal system based on the performance of candidates should also help to accelerate the promotion of women. Lastly, the тшЬег of posts restricted to either men or women had decreased since the restrictions applied to prison officer posts in England and Wales had been removed in 1987. 7. With regard to the percentage of women obtaining public appointments, 30 per cent of the candidacies submitted to the Public Appointments Unit were now those of women, thanks to the action of the Women's National Commission, in co-operation with the Departments, and to the Women into Public Life Campaign. In order to ensure equal opportunity for women in the appointment procedures, guidelines to that effect had been issued in 1988 and widely circulated within Departments and public bodies. 8. Replying to a question concerning article 8, she said that diplomatic couples were in principle posted to the same city and that the appropriate allowances were then paid either individually or jointly. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office endeavoured to keep diplomatic staff fully informed of terms and conditions relating to their posts and any major changes made in them. In addition, a special booklet providing information on the rights and entitlements of staff was now being brought up to date. The Foreign Office also tried to apply to diplomatic staff useful initiatives undertaken in the Home Civil Service. . 9. Special Unpaid Leave was available to men as well as women. It was counted towards promotion, although consideration on merit remained the basic criterion, but was not counted towards the pension scheme or other benefits. Replying to a question, she explained that special unpaid leave might be granted for up to a total of five years and could be taken all at once or in shorter periods. If such 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting equality and improving working conditions for women in the public sector, particularly in the context of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It touches on topics such as appraisal systems, promotion opportunities, and family-friendly policies. Given its focus on employment and gender equality, it seems likely that the text belongs to the category of Employment or Humanitarian aid and relief, which often overlap in their focus on social and economic issues.

**Category**
Employment, Humanitarian aid and relief