New IVF proposals unveiled
Press Review 12 November 2004
The fertility watchdog is set to allow couples to choose donated sperm or eggs to create their designer child.
Howard and Blair go head-to-head on support for families
News Article 11 November 2004
Both Michael Howard and Tony Blair have pledged greater support for families through expanded childcare provision.
Hodge 'broke promise' on children's commissioner
News Article 10 November 2004
Margaret Hodge has been criticised for"watering down" plans for a children's commissioner in England.
MPs reject ban on smacking
Press Review 3 November 2004
A bid to ban smacking has been heavily defeated in the House of Commons.
MPs reject smacking ban by large margin
News Article 2 November 2004
A legislative bid to ban smacking has been heavily defeated in the House of Commons.
Blair rejects call for smacking ban
News Article 27 October 2004
The prime minister has rejected backbench requests for ban on the smacking of children.
Ministers launch drive against 'career sexism'
Press Review 27 October 2004
The trade secretary has launched a new drive to encourage women to consider careers traditionally dominated by men.
Midwives to quiz women on domestic violence
Press Review 21 October 2004
Doctors and midwives are to ask all pregnant women if they have been beaten by their partners as part of a crackdown on domestic violence.
Chancellor urged to pay parents to stay at home
News Article 13 October 2004
Paying parents to stay at home would help save the economy £24 billion per year, the government has been told.
Private nurseries hit by childcare success
Press Review 29 September 2004
The government's childcare programme, Sure Start, has been so successful at attracting workers away from the commercial sector that many private day nurseries are now facing acute staff shortages.
MPs to investigate fathers' access
Press Review 21 September 2004
The Commons constitutional affairs committee is to hold an inquiry into whether mothers and fathers are treated fairly over issues such as access and contact with their children.
Business fears Hewitt's maternity proposals
Press Review 21 September 2004
Business groups have warned that increasing paternity and maternity pay would lead to "crippling" extra costs.
Parental rights extension on hold until 2006
News Article 20 September 2004
Downing Street has said any changes to parental leave rules, suggested by industry secretary Patricia Hewitt, will not take place before 2006.
