§ 1. Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will take steps to strengthen the rights of employment and prospects for women.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Patrick Mayhew)The Government are committed to the advancement of equal opportunities and my right hon. Friend will continue to do all that he can to fulfil that commitment in relation to the employment of women.
§ Mr. SheermanIs the Minister aware that the employment statistics issued today mask the fact that a growing number of women face unequal opportunities? Does not he accept that the evidence proves that our legislation which sought to attain equality for women, is failing? Is the Minister further aware that there is an underlying trend in clothing, textiles, offices and shops to eliminate employment for women? Does the hon. and learned Member realise that in my area of Huddersfield and Kirklees, two young girls are unemployed for every unemployed young man?
§ Mr. MayhewThe importance of the contribution that women can make to the economy is very much in the Government's mind. I welcome the fact that the Manpower Services Commission is taking special steps to enlarge the number of opportunities open to women and to break clown any prejudice that may exist about the suitability of women for certain types of employment.
§ Mr. StokesDoes not my hon. and learned Friend realise that good women in industry and commerce expect to get on as a result of their own abilities and that they do not expect special privileges from the State?
§ Mr. MayhewI am sure that my hon. Friend is right. However, the theme behind our equal opportunities legislation is that there should be not privileged opportunities, but equal opportunities.
§ Mr. John GrantDoes not the Minister accept that the maternity clauses of the Employment Bill, the abolition of schedule 11 to the Employment Protection Act, the Government's public expenditure cuts—which will squeeze nursery education and child-minding services—and the grim unemployment figures that were issued today, will lead to the devastation of employment for women? Is it not true that this woman-led Government is racist and sexist?
§ Mr. MayhewThe hon. Gentleman's last observation spoiled his question. The purpose of the legislation, for which my Department is responsible, is to increase the number of opportunities that are available to women. We believe that that is very important.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWill not my hon. and learned Friend agree that it is not only our equal opportunities legislation that matters, but the way in which people behave? Would it not be a good idea for hon. Members to recognise that this House—with the exception of certain right hon. and hon. Ladies—is a glaring example of an area in which women are not fully represented?
§ Mr. MayhewI am certain that women do not expect privileges when it comes to selection for this House. We all value the contributions of those whom we have.