Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Davies Excerpts

Thursday 23rd March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

I reassure my right hon. Friend that we are working closely with housing associations on that important issue, and particularly on getting the funding stream right for supported housing. We are also working on bringing badly needed new supply on stream.

[Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)]

11. What assessment she has made of recent trends in the number of women in work.

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

I am delighted that there are now more women in work than ever before, and that the female employment rate is nearly 70%, which is the highest on record. The female employment rate has increased by more since 2010 than it increased during the three previous Parliaments combined.

[Chris Davies]

Recent figures show that record-breaking numbers of women are in work under this Government. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is only by creating a stronger, fairer economy that works for everyone that we will continue to see records being broken?

[Caroline Dinenage]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to draw attention to that. We want to ensure that all women can fulfil their potential. That is why the Government have extended the right to flexible working and introduced shared parental leave. From September, we will double the 30 hours childcare offer.