Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Esther McVey Excerpts
Thursday 19th April 2012

(12 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
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The labour market is still difficult. We understand that. That is why we are providing support specifically for women. I draw the hon. Gentleman’s attention to the fact that there are 61,000 more women in work today than in May 2010. I would have hoped that, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, who failed to do so yesterday, the hon. Gentleman welcomed the overall fall in unemployment that took place yesterday.

Esther McVey Portrait Esther McVey (Wirral West) (Con)
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At the end of last year, the Minister announced the creation of the women’s business council. Will she assure the House that the council will advise the Government on how they can maximise the contribution of women to the UK?

Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
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I have indeed set up the women’s business council. I have announced that its chair will be Ruby McGregor-Smith, the chief executive of Mitie, with whom I have had very constructive discussions. She wants to bring forward a programme for delivery that will improve the pipeline for women in the business environment and increase their contribution to the economy.