HC Deb 05 March 1998 vol 307 cc1189-90
10. Mrs. Butler

What steps she will take to ensure equality of opportunity in scientific careers. [31136]

Mr. Battle

We would all agree that far too few women are taking up science. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is pursuing the objective of equality of opportunity to increase the participation of women in science, engineering and technology careers, not least through our Department's development unit on women in science, engineering and technology.

Mrs. Butler

There has been a doubling in the number of women graduating in engineering since the mid-1980s—[Interruption.]—but the figure remains only 14 per cent. Does my hon. Friend agree that it might be a good idea to link his Department's development unit with the women's unit at the Department of Social Security to ensure a more co-ordinated approach and enhanced prospects for women considering that career path?

Mr. Battle

Yes, it is important that there is close co-operation between the women's unit at the DTI and the women's unit at the DSS. The women into science and engineering—WISE—project has increased the number of women engineering graduates from 7 per cent. to 14 per cent. I heard a gibe from the Opposition Benches that the increase had taken place since 1 May, but it is worth remembering that there are currently 56 Members of Parliament who have science, engineering or technological qualifications, of whom 42 are Labour Members and eight are women.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

Although I welcome the figures that the Minister has announced and the fact that there are now more women involved in science careers, the Government should not overlook the fact that, for men or women to get into good science careers, they must do well at school and university. At the moment, there is a problem with boys and young men in sixth-form education, so will the Minister ensure that the encouragement given to girls in the past, which has resulted in success, will also be given equally to young men?

Mr. Battle

We all agree that there is an all-round problem with encouraging youngsters to get involved in science. However, we need to take positive action to ensure that we do not waste the talents of half of the population, because the figures show clearly that women are not going into advanced science and engineering careers. I should like to draw the House's attention to an article by Susan Greenfield, professor of pharmacology at Oxford university, in The Independent today. She is setting up a conference, particularly for young women, which is to take place on 9 March and is supported by our Department. She makes the point that we should encourage young women, but that we should not overlook the needs of young boys.