Oral Answers to Questions

Maria Caulfield Excerpts

Thursday 26th May 2016 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Dinenage]

I am not aware that birth control is a massive issue within women’s prisons—I certainly hope it is not, but I will take a look at that.

[Maria Caulfield (Lewes) (Con)]

4. What steps the Government are taking to encourage girls and women to take up STEM careers.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Nicky Morgan)]

My Department has set an ambition for a 20% increase in girls’ entry to A-level mathematics and science by 2020. We fund programmes in schools and colleges to encourage young people to take qualifications in science, technology, engineering and maths, and to improve achievement in those subjects. Those working in science and technology careers are paid on average 19% more than those in other professions, so motivating girls to study those subjects is important if we are to eliminate the gender pay gap.

[Maria Caulfield]

Nursing is now a graduate-entry profession, and STEM subjects form part of the course for student nurses. Once they qualify, student nurses take on the role of many junior doctors in prescribing medication and ordering investigations, so does the Minister agree that nursing is a STEM career to which young women, and indeed young men, should aspire?

[Nicky Morgan]

I know about my hon. Friend’s own nursing background, and I agree that nursing is a fantastic career for young women, and indeed young men. We are committed to strengthening careers provision for young people across England, and projects funded through the Careers and Enterprise Company’s investment fund will do just that. She may be aware of a project led by Skills East Sussex that seeks to improve the work-readiness of young people, the take-up of apprenticeships locally, and the gender balance in key sectors.