Members of parliament have expressed concern about diversity on the Bank of England’s policy committees.

Nicky Morgan, chair of the House of Commons Treasury Committee, has written to the chancellor calling on his department to make efforts to “encourage” more diversity.

She said: “The Treasury must make all efforts to encourage as diverse [a] range of candidates for the Bank’s policy committees as possible.

“An aim of the Commissioner for Public Appointments is to achieve greater diversity of public appointments. The committee has asked the Treasury for its specific confirmation that its recruitment processes are within this remit.

“The committee may take evidence from the most appropriate minister or official on this shortly.”

The comments came as MPs approved the appointment of the newest members of the Monetary Policy Committee: Sir Dave Ramsden, as deputy governor of the Bank, and Professor Silvana Tenreyro, as an external member.

Morgan also announced that her committee would begin an investigation looking at the progress of women in finance. In particular, the committee will examine progress against the Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter.

Morgan said: “More women than men are employed in the financial services sector, but female representation at senior levels has been historically low.

“Gender diversity across job grades and functions delivers benefits to firms, society and the wider economy.

“As part of this inquiry, the Committee will scrutinise the progress of the Treasury and firms against the Women in Finance Charter.”