Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Stephenson Excerpts

Thursday 23rd March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Justine Greening]

I agree with my hon. Friend and, indeed, substantial investment has gone into improving water and sanitation. It is a basic issue, but it makes a tremendous difference to being able to lift up women and girls.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

9. What steps the Government are taking to encourage girls to take up STEM careers.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (Caroline Dinenage)]

We simply cannot afford to miss out on the talents of half the population. Increasing the number of women in STEM industries is vital for economic growth and to eliminate the gender pay gap. That is why we are improving the quality of STEM teaching, funding programmes such as the Stimulating Physics Network and the further maths support programme, and raising awareness of career opportunities through STEM ambassadors.

[Andrew Stephenson]

I recently met Katie Goodwill, an apprentice from Rolls-Royce in Barnoldswick, who in November won the gold medal in CNC turning at a 2016 world skills show. Will the Minister join me in congratulating Katie as a role model for other women and girls, inspiring them to take up STEM careers?

[Caroline Dinenage]

I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in congratulating his constituent, Katie Goodwill, on her fantastic achievement. Role models are so important—that is why more than 40% of our STEM ambassadors are women. They are helping to inspire the next generation, just as I am sure his constituent Katie will.

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Stephenson Excerpts

Thursday 8th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I know that we have overrun, but I want to accommodate remaining questions if they are extremely brief.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

T5. Pendle is home to a number of key aerospace businesses, such as Rolls-Royce. What discussions has my hon. Friend had with the aerospace sector to ensure that we continue to support this vital industry?

[Mark Garnier]

The Government, with industry, are working with the Aerospace Growth Partnership to boost growth and exports. Together we have committed £3.9 billion to aerospace research up until 2026. I will shortly be visiting Rolls-Royce in Derby, and I look forward to holding a separate round-table meeting with aerospace companies later this month in Toulouse.