§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to support the Women into Science and Engineering Campaign of the Engineering Council in 1998–99; and if she will make a statement. [7057]
§ Mr. BattleThe Department's main involvement with the Engineering Council's Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) campaign is largely taken forward through the Development Unit on Women in Science, Engineering and Technology. It has also supported the594W WISE campaign through its Action for Engineering Initiative. The Development Unit has strong links with WISE, including collaboration on a range of initiatives, and it plans to continue to support the campaign in this way during 1998–99.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to encourage women to enter the engineering profession; and if she will make a statement. [7047]
§ Mr. BattleThis Government is concerned about the under-representation of women in not only engineering, but science and technology, and is committed to encouraging women to qualify and enter employment in these fields. The Government's objectives are being carried forward through the Development Unit on Women in Science, Engineering and Technology within the Office of Science and Technology (OST) in the Department. We are currently considering how the Unit will be able to benefit from close liaison with the new Women's Unit at The Department of Social Security.