Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will request that the Natural History Museum stops its practice of gender-specific marketing of toys.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is in regular contact with the Natural History Museum. The Natural History Museum is passionate about science learning and careers for all. Following its recent collaboration with Marks and Spencer to create a dinosaur-themed clothing line, the Natural History Museum is working with the retailer’s design team to expand the range to include products for girls.

The Museum is committed to diversity in engagement and learning and in the development of scientific careers. In its education programmes and exhibitions, as well as through the press and social media, its scientists are a diverse group of role models inspiring the next generation. Products in the Museum shop are displayed without gender differentiation for children, and the Museum’s own children’s clothing range is cut for a unisex fit.

Licensing for retail items plays an important role in generating revenue for the Museum to run their activities and exhibitions and conduct scientific research, and therefore the Museum often works with commercial partners. Product ranges being separated by female and male options is standard retail practice for many high street retailers.