§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement about the employment of women in the National Health Service;
(2) if he will list those district health authorities which provide work place nurseries and specify how many pilaces they provide.
§ Mr. MellorWomen make a vital contribution to every aspect of the National Health Service and comprise about 70 per cent. of its work force. We are committed to ensuring that no unnecessary obstacles are placed in their way in terms of their training, career development and the opportunity to deploy to the full their talents, professional skills and expertise. Whilst much has been done in this area, further progress is possible. That is why we agreed to the establishment of the national steering group on equal opportunities for women in the NHS, whose general remit was to consider the personnel policies and procedures necessary to provide equality of opportunity in NHS employment, and in particular to make recommendations for management of the career break. Although the group has yet to report, it has already issued practical guidance direct to health authorities, including advice about the procedures of recruitment and retention, which the then Health Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Braintree (Mr. Newton) publicly welcomed and commended to authorities. Once we have the group's report, which I understand is expected shortly, we shall consider what further action we can take.
We do not hold information about the numbers of workplace nurseries and places available locally within district health authorities centrally.