HC Deb 06 June 2000 vol 351 c184W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his policy towards promoting gender balance in research, with particular reference to those areas funded by European Community moneys, following the ETAN report of the European Parliament. [123649]

Mrs. Liddell

The Government are very keen to increase the participation of women in research. The Promoting SET for Women Unit, within the DTI works with the Research Councils, the Higher Education Funding Councils, the Wellcome Trust and the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals to encourage more women to apply for research funds and for membership of the Framework programme expert and advisory bodies. The Unit Head is a member of a Commission working group to help achieve these aims.