Draft Legislative Programme

I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who has led the way in her constituency in pushing forward the children’s centre programme, which, over time, should mean that there are half a dozen children’s centres in each constituency of England; roughly 3,000 or more centres by 2010. We will continue to support children’s centres and provide the money necessary for their expansion. I agree also that we have to do more to break down the barriers of discrimination and inequality that have been a problem for women seeking employment over many years.