Written question asked by Phyllis Starkey (Labour) on Monday, 17 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 January 2000. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 24 January 2000 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 assessment he has made of the extent to which the objectives set out in the report of the Committee on Women in Science and Technology, The Rising Tide, have been met. - Inc ref to www.set.4women.gov.uk.

Answer: Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the extent to which the objectives set out in the report of the Committee on Women in Science and Technology, The Rising Tide, have been met. [106051] Ms Hewitt: The Department's Unit charged with promoting science, engineering and technology (SET) for women, which was set up in response to one of "The Rising Tide" recommendations, continues to monitor progress on the other recommendations in that report. There is a continuing problem with the under-representation of women in SET, especially in the physical sciences and engineering, and the Unit works with other organisations in the field to seek to redress this. Recent initiatives include the ATHENA project, a joint project with the Higher Education Funding Councils and the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals, targeted at addressing barriers to progression in higher education, and promoting a positive image for women in SET careers through the recent poster campaign targeted at 13-year-old girls. Further information and links to other relevant organisations are available via the Unit's website at www.set4women.gov.uk.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 343 c46W; 106051
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Women Employment Industry Engineering Technology Science Scientists
Link: View this Written question on www.lga.gov.uk