§ 9. Mr. Ernie RossTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to offer flexitime and parental leave in offices run by his Department.
§ Mr. Ian TaylorFlexible working hours arrangements already operate extensively throughout the DTI and its agencies. All such arrangements are set up locally.
§ Mr. RossDoes the Minister agree that the development of the executive agencies is putting the availability of flexitime and parental leave at risk? Given that both flexitime and parental leave are important to encourage, maintain and help women back to work, will he outline to the House his proposals to ensure that both parental leave and flexitime are safeguarded within those agencies?
§ Mr. TaylorGiven that the DTI is setting the lead with its "Investors in People" programme, which will make extremely good commitments to all DTI employees, I have no doubt that the various agencies will make their own local arrangements. Throughout the civil service, flexitime is increasing because that is what employees want. We are also safeguarding parental leave. If the hon. Gentleman has a constituency example that is causing him concern, I hope that he will write to me. Overall, we find that the reactions of staff to how they are treated within the agencies and the DTI are encouraging.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayWhat measures is my hon. Friend's Department taking to encourage and allow people to work at home, as part of the flexi-arrangements that he has described?
§ Mr. TaylorOne specific way is that, as we roll out new technology, and as Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Technology, I am encouraging tele-working. There is no doubt that the ability to access from home the 327 same computers, and in the same real time, as those used in the office, will be an interesting way of proceeding to avoid people having to commute every day simply to gain access to office information and material and to make a contribution.