§ Mr. Peter RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what evaluation he has made of the report issued by the European Parliament on the assessment of women's unwaged work; what steps the Government intend to take to implement the recommendations in the report that women's unwaged work should be included in the figures for gross national product; and what plans he has to provide social security and pension rights for unwaged women at home.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe Government recognise the important contribution women make to society both at home and in the workplace. The compilation of gross domestic product figures are the responsibility of the Central Statistical Office. The CSO follows the internationally agreed system of national accounts which recommends that domestic work is not included. The reasons for this are explained in paragraphs 6.19 and 6.22 of the new SNA, a copy of which is available in the Library.
Concerning social security rights, a married woman can qualify for a retirement pension based on her husband's insurance record. In addition, women with caring responsibilities at home may qualify for home responsibilities protection. Responsibility for these two issues lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security.