Written question asked by Roger Gale (Conservative) on Monday, 14 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 March 2005. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 March 2005 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps she will take to enhance the paternity rights enjoyed by fathers to bring them into line with the maternity rights enjoyed by mothers.

Answer: Mr. Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she will take to enhance the paternity rights enjoyed by fathers to bring them into line with the maternity rights enjoyed by mothers. [222355] Ms Hewitt :[holding answer 17 March 2005]: In 2003, we introduced a new right for fathers to take two weeks' paternity leave with statutory paternity pay, paid at the same standard rate as statutory maternity pay. In addition to this, fathers benefit from other provisions provided for working parents in the same way as mothers. The right to request flexible working, the right to parental leave and the right to time off for dependants all apply to fathers as well as mothers. Our recent consultation document, "Work and Families: Choice and Flexibility", seeks views on options for a new scheme which would enable a father to take a proportion of the statutory maternity leave and pay which is currently available to the mother. Copies of the consultation document have been placed in the Libraries of the House. It is also available to download at www.dti.gov.uk/workandfamilies or to order from DTI Publications orderline on 0845 015 0010.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c676W; 222355
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Conditions of employment Fathers Flexible working Paternity leave Flexitime
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk