Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Attorney General

Oral Answers to Questions

Susan Elan Jones Excerpts
Thursday 25th February 2016

(8 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Anna Soubry Portrait Anna Soubry
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I am not familiar with the impact assessment, but I have to say that I am quite surprised by it. I reiterate the point: it is absolutely imperative that we make it very clear that everybody should aim high. That is what we want to do and that is what we are seeking to do.

Susan Elan Jones Portrait Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab)
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4. What steps she is taking to tackle gender economic inequality.

Harriett Baldwin Portrait The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Harriett Baldwin)
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The employment for women is at a record high, and the gender pay gap is at a record low. The Government are committed to enabling women and men to fulfil their economic potential.

Susan Elan Jones Portrait Susan Elan Jones
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That all sounds very nice, but with women being over-represented in sectors in which low pay is prominent and persistent, what is the Government’s strategy for tackling extended occupational segregation?

Harriett Baldwin Portrait Harriett Baldwin
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I am sure the hon. Lady will welcome the fact that 65% of the people who will benefit from the new national living wage in a couple of months will be women. This Government are taking that very important step to raise pay for the lowest-paid in our country.