HC Deb 21 January 1999 vol 323 c543W
19. Mrs. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the involvement of women in science. [65209]

Mr. Byers

Women are significantly under-represented in the physical sciences and engineering. Unless we can improve this situation, our industrial and research base will continue to be deprived of access to some of the best potential talent. We are encouraging young women to continue with science through A-levels into higher education, and are seeking to ensure that women can have satisfactory science and engineering-based careers, by encouraging family-friendly practices in both the public and private sectors.