Work and Families Bill

My right hon. Friend said that he wanted to support women in their choices. When he issues the regulations during the passage of the Bill, I urge him to bear in mind those women who want to go back to work before the six month period. They may simply want to return to work, but they may also be the higher earner in the relationship or run a business that would go to the wall if they did not take a hands-on approach. In those circumstances, I very much hope that my right hon. Friend agrees that fathers who want to exercise their paternity rights before the end of the six month period should be allowed to do so.