§ 58. Mr. Dubsasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether she is satisfied that women and members of ethnic minorities have equal opportunities of entry to and promotion within the Civil Service.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe Civil Service has a long standing policy that there must be no discrimination, either before or after entry, against any person on account of race, ethnic origin, sex or marital status. The policy is widely known throughout the service and I am determined that it shall be rigorously applied.
§ Mr. DubsDoes the Minister agree that, without monitoring, he cannot enforce the equal opportunities policy, because he does not know whether it is being carried out? Given that he has the co-operation of at least some of the trade unions in following these policies, has he not a responsibility to set a good example to other employers?
§ Mr. HayhoeI do not accept the basis of the hon. Gentleman's question. The Government are not convinced that censuses and the like are the most appropriate and effective ways of following matters through, using scarce resources and doing everything possible to ensure that discrimination is not taking place.
§ Mr. SoleyIs the Minister able to assure the House that his Department is using the newspapers representing the ethnic minority groups for the purpose of advertising vacancies?
§ Mr. HayhoeI am unable to answer that question without notice. I do not know whether ethnic group newspapers are being used. If the hon. Gentleman would care to table a question I shall ensure that it is answered.