Currently, industry would be considered. Participation of rural women in planning of rural areas. muah discussion centred the social and economic on the development 161. On article 15, she said that, pursuant to an amendment of the Fire Protection Act in 1951, any citizen could be ordered to serve on municipal fire brigades. No clear information could be provided on whether or not Seamen’s Act applied also to women. the 162. On article 16, the representative stated that, according to the draft of the new Marriage Act, which would be forwarded to parliament in the spring of 1991, spouses, on divorce, would be entitled to an equal share of the property jointly acquired during their marriage , and housework would be assessed on the same basis as paid work. Currently alimony could be paid for an unlimited period of time; the new law, however, contained a provision that it be restricted to three years exaept in special circumstances. 163. Responding to follow-up questions, the representative said that the lack of enthusiasm to participate in political life might be a problem but was one that applied not only to women but also to men. The issue of ensuring that work performed by women and by men was allocated the same value was being discussed by all political parties. Concerning the relationship between the Constitution and the Equal Status Act in the context of the succession to the throne, she said that, pursuant to an amendment of the law in 198i3, women also would be allowed to ascend the throne. As regards the non-involvement of non-governmental organisations in the preparation of the second periodic report, she said that the Government maintained close ties with a wide range of non-governmental organisations; however, the involvement of so many different organizations in the preparation of reports to international bodies was considered to be too time-consuming. Members stressed the importance of supplying data on prostitution in the subsequent report. The representative said that in the case of a conflict in relation to the principle of equality, the Constitution always took precedence over the legislation laws. With regard to the possible negative effect on women of frequent changes of Government, she said that all Governments were expected to give high priority to the issue of equality. 164. It was asked whether the feminist movement was, according to her personal opinion, declining in Norway and, if so, whether there were any plans to strengthen the movement in order to use it as a pressure group. The representative confirmed that the movement was, indeed, declining, but that the thoughts of the movement were currently directed towards the political participation of women. Members hoped that future reports would make a qualitative assessment of the role of women and men in Norwegian society. 165. Members expressed their appreciation for the country’s constructive attitude to achieving de facto equality and for the detailed answers that had been provided to all the questions raised, They welcomed a qualitative rather than an arithmetical (56/50) approach to equality, which should serve as a model for other countries. -31-