Oral Answers to Questions

Philip Hollobone Excerpts

Tuesday 24th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Maria Caulfield]

I thank my right hon. Friend for her kind words. I absolutely agree on that, which is why helping women back into work and dealing with their health issues in the workplace is one of the first eight priorities of the women’s health strategy. We are working with colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions on that. Last night, I had a roundtable with tech and STEM— science, technology, engineering and maths—employers, and they were desperate to keep their women in the workforce and to recruit more. Whether we are talking about young women who need support as they go through endometriosis or IVF treatment, or older women who are dealing with the menopause, we are absolutely committed to supporting women’s health needs in the workplace.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

I welcome the recent announcement of enhanced breast cancer facilities at Kettering General Hospital. Is that not just the sort of extra investment we need to improve the delivery of women’s health services?

--- Later in debate ---

[Steve Barclay]

I am not sure how many times one needs to say the same point. The Government’s position on this is clear: we are committed to treatment free at the point of use. That is the Government’s position, and it has been throughout the NHS’s history, the majority of which has been under Conservative Governments.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

How many operations have been lost to strike action in the NHS so far?

[Will Quince]

On an average strike day, I believe it is about 2,500.