Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Eddie Hughes and Robert Goodwill

Monday 11th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Goodwill]

Sure Start schemes up and down the country are being delivered by local authorities, and it is up to them to make the decisions. However, we have already discussed the roll-out of hubs by some local authorities, which are proving particularly effective. As I say, it is for local authorities to determine what is best for their children.

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

Figures released recently by the right hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) show that the proportion of students in my constituency who get the top grades and go to top universities is lower than in the south-east of the country. What action can the Government take to address that inequality?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Eddie Hughes and Robert Goodwill

Thursday 23rd November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Goodwill]

Flexible working is good for the employer as well as the employee, helping morale, motivation and productivity. It is vital in these times that businesses retain and recruit key staff. Progressive companies understand this and how flexible working is an essential element in securing success. We are working with employer groups and others on how best to promote genuine two-way flexible working.

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

Fathers also have a critical role to play in childcare, but the Women and Equalities Committee heard recently from some fathers who suggested that the take-up of paternity leave was very low. What more can the Minister to do to encourage fathers to play an active role in early childcare?

[Mr Goodwill]

It is not necessarily just a question of what the Government can do; a great deal more cultural change is needed as well. Shared parental leave was introduced in April 2015, but we would like the take-up to increase.