A CONSERVATIVE MP has grilled Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, over if there have been "enough" women present in the Government's decision-making process amid the coronavirus crisis.

MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, questioned the Prime Minister in a committee hearing where he thought having women in the room makes "a huge difference" in making decisions surrounding the pandemic.

Ms Nokes, the women and equalities committee chair, asked Mr Johnson: "You made the distinction between there being ‘a lot’ of women and ‘enough’ women – how many is enough?"

Before answering Ms Nokes question, the PM is heard to say "oh boy", while adding: "That’s a question on which I’m not competent to pronounce.”

Ms Nokes followed her question up and asked: “Is it not 50 percent?”

He responded: "It's not, and all I say, Caroline, is that it’s incredibly important to us as Conservatives and we have – 50 per cent would be great – large numbers of female MPs of great talents, including yourself, in the House of Commons now.

"Never forget, it’s only the Conservative Party that’s produced two female prime ministers; you'll be the third."

Ms Nokes also asked the PM why women have "not been more visible" in the decision-making process?

He said: "It's certainly true that I would have liked to have had more female representation in the press conferences.

"Jenny Harries has been mentioned and Priti [Patel] has done a few.

"We will do our best Caroline; what can I say?

Ms Nokes questioned the PM on if he had considered providing "additional support" to the childcare sector in order for women to return to work while the deadly bug continues to sweep across the UK.

He said: "We have already invested considerably in supporting childcare and we will do whatever it takes to help women get back into work.

"I agree with you, childcare is absolutely critical for the success of our economy."

The select committee meeting took place last week.