§ 3. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints have so far been submitted to the Equal Opportunities Commission.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Dr. Shirley Summerskill)Where a case of alleged discrimination occurs, it is mainly for the indvidual complainant to institute proceedings in the courts or industrial 601 tribunals. The EOC had received over 7,500 inquiries by 20th February of which it estimates that nearly 2,000 either referred to or could lead to formal complaints of discrimination as defined in the Sex Discrimination Act.
§ Mr. CanavanHow many of the complaints referred to educational matters and what, if anything, can be done about those schools which do not allow girls to follow certain courses, such as technical subjects? What can be done about dictatorial headmasters who exclude girls from education simply because they are wearing trousers?
§ Dr. SummerskillI shall inquire from the Commission about my hon. Friend's first point and let him have the answer. I remind him that a complaint in respect of public sector education must be notified in the first place to the appropriate education Minister. The figures from the Commission would therefore not be comprehensive. It has been established that no head teacher can forbid girl pupils to wear trousers. His point about the curricula will certainly be taken up by the Commission.
§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopCan the Equal Opportunities Commission examine and report upon the outrageous action of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in refusing to allow men to buy index-linked bonds to protect their savings until they are five years past the age at which women are allowed to buy them?
§ Dr. SummerskillI will certainly note the hon. Member's point and refer it to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor. I will indicate to him the agreement which seems to exist with the hon. Member on the Government Benches.
§ Mr. Greville JannerWill my hon. Friend indicate when the work of the Commission will be doubled by the introduction of the reinstatement rules for mothers who wish to return to their jobs within 29 weeks of the date of birth of their children?
§ Dr. SummerskillThat is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment, and I will refer my hon. Friend's comments to him.
§ Mr. StanbrookSurely 7,500 is a totally inadequate number of complaints, con- 602 sidering the amount of money and time that has been spent on this farcical body. What is the Minister doing to stimulate more complaints so that we can see what a nonsense the whole thing is?
§ Dr. SummerskillI take it that the hon. Member has his tongue in his cheek. I think that a total of 7,500 inquiries by 20th February shows the great need which existed for such a Commission.