Women

Oral Answers to Questions — Overseas Development – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 23 February 1987.

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Photo of Mr Michael Meadowcroft Mr Michael Meadowcroft , Leeds West 12:00, 23 February 1987

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards the role of women in development.

Photo of Mr Chris Patten Mr Chris Patten , Bath

Our policy was set out in the booklet "Women in Development", copies of which are available in the Library.

Photo of Mr Michael Meadowcroft Mr Michael Meadowcroft , Leeds West

Is the Minister aware that the Government's attitude seems rather complacent in view of continuing reports that the position of women in development issues is becoming worse, not better? Is he aware that a report to be published on Thursday by War on Want sets out the evidence for this? Will he read it carefully and respond positively to its findings?

Photo of Mr Chris Patten Mr Chris Patten , Bath

I hope that I shall respond positively, but I do not always agree with everything that War on Want says; nor, I think, does the Labour party. I am not complacent. I want to see more women being trained under our own programme. Only about 15 per cent. of places currently go to women. We are talking about how to improve that figure with aid-recipient Governments.

Photo of Mr Ian Gow Mr Ian Gow , Eastbourne

What explanation can my hon. Friend offer for the new-found interest of the Liberal party in women?

Photo of Mr Chris Patten Mr Chris Patten , Bath

After the events of last week, I think that I should be careful about referring to the role of women in politics.