§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will now introduce legislation 315W providing women workers with at least six months' pregnancy leave on full pay, with jobs guaranteed and with no loss of employment rights or entitlement to holiday pay and pensions; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will now consider extending the existing statutory maternity leave to include at least three months' paid maternity leave; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Government have been considering the question of financial provision for maternity as part of the social security review. We will announce the outcome of the review shortly. As regards other rights during maternity absence, the statutory provisions are constantly under review, but we have no immediate plans to amend them.