Written question asked by Ruth Kelly (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 May 1999. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 May 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, what his estimate is of the numbers and percentages of (a) mothers and (b) fathers who will choose to take their parental leave entitlement. - Inc figures. (Holding answer 10 May 1999).

Answer: Ms Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his estimate is of the numbers and percentages of (a) mothers and (b) fathers who will choose to take their parental leave entitlement. [83808] Mr. Ian McCartney: [holding answer 10 May 1999]: We are committed to fostering a workplace culture which recognises the importance of family friendly employment policies, including parental leave, for both men and women in reconciling their work and family commitments. For the purposes of the regulatory impact assessment published with the Employment Relations Bill, we assumed that about 82,000 people would take parental leave each year, consisting of 6,000 men and 76,000 women. Over a five year period, this is equivalent to about 2 per cent. of eligible fathers and about 35 per cent. of eligible mothers.

Secondary information