HC Deb 05 April 1977 vol 929 c420W
Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he has taken on recommendation 182 of the Finer Report on One-Parent Families.

Mr. Golding

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the specialist needs of women who have to combine care of children with employment have always been recognised by the staff of the Employment Service Agency when trying to find them work.

The ESA is now planning to improve further the service available to job seekers—including lone parents—who encounter special problems in getting work.

Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in the light of recommendation 181 of the Finer Report on One-Parent Families, he will publish on a regular basis statistics relating to all aspects of women's employment.

Mr. John Grant

My Department published a special booklet in 1974 entitled "Women and Work: a statistical survey". Statistics about women's employment are published regularly in the DepartmentGazette as they become available.