HC Deb 02 May 2002 vol 384 cc925-6W
34. Mr. Bacon

To ask the Minister if she will make a statement on the steps she is taking to help mothers return to work. [52039]

Ms Hewitt

We are taking a number of steps. These include introducing, as part of the Employment Bill which is currently before Parliament, a new duty for employers to seriously consider requests for flexible working from parents of young children and improvements to maternity leave and pay. We are also taking forward a range of other measures such as investment in child care, working families tax credit, the New Deal for Lone Parents, the New Deal for Partners, and increased access to adult education.