HC Deb 16 July 1990 vol 176 cc375-6W
Mrs. Peacock

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action is being taken to encourage girls and women to study science subjects.

Mrs. Rumbold

The national curriculum introduced into schools last September will ensure that all pupils will study a balanced science course from early years right up to GCSE level. Girls will not be able to drop physics and chemistry at age 14.

Introducing structured scientific study in primary schools will have a positive effect on the traditionally narrow view many girls and women have of school science.

The Government are helping to sponsor the Engineering Council's "Women in Science and Engineering" project aimed at persuading girls and women of both the possibility and attractions of careers in science and engineering.