HC Deb 25 April 1990 vol 171 cc221-2W
Mr. Leighton

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what mechanisms his Department has to deal with services and policies on child care and family services.

Mr. Nicholls

I am a member of the interdepartmental ministerial group on women's issues which was established in 1986 to co-ordinate policy issues of special concern to women. The group meets regularly and has focused in particular on child care and domestic violence in the last 12 months.

I also chair the advisory committee on women's employment which meets regularly to discuss matters affecting women's employment. This committee includes the Equal Opportunities Commission's chair, my hon. Friend the Member for Broxbourne (Mrs. Roe), the hon. Member for Barking (Ms. Richardson), representatives of the CBI, TUC and the Women's National Commission.

My ministerial colleagues and I also meet interested groups and address meetings. In addition the Department

maintains regular contact with the Equal Opportunities Commission, Women's National Commission and other women's organisations.