Written question asked by Richard Body (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 June 1999. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 June 1999 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, if he will make a statement on departmental policy in response to the European Commission's proposals under the Gender and Science Watch System. - Inc ref to European Commission Communication "Women and science - Mobilising women to enrich scientific research".

Answer: Sir Richard Body: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on departmental policy in response to the European Commission's proposals under the Gender and Science Watch System. [87679] Mr. Battle: The Government support the aims of the recent European Commission Communication "Women and science--Mobilising women to enrich scientific research", which includes a description of its activities known as the Gender and Science Watch System. The Commission's approach is consistent with the Government's policies to increase the participation of women in science and complements the initiatives already being taken in the UK, for example The Promoting SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) for Women Unit, located in the Office of Science and Technology at the Department of Trade and Industry.

Secondary information