HC Deb 29 October 1984 vol 65 cc1001-2
42. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister for Civil Service whether he has made a decision concerning future ethnic monitoring surveys.

The Minister of State, Treasury (Mr. Barney Hayhoe)

As I said in the House on 23 July, a decision on future surveys would be taken as soon as possible, but clarification of the union position is still awaited.

Mr. Janner

Does the Minister accept that the pilot schemes on ethnic monitoring reveal unacceptable discrimination in the Civil Service in both appointments and promotions? I am sure the hon. Gentleman shares the Opposition view that such discrimination is unworthy and that the Government must set a good example, so when does he expect to report progress in other areas of the Civil Service?

Mr. Hayhoe

I do not accept the hon. and learned Gentleman's contentions, which are based on a superficial and sensational judgment of the surveys. They provide no direct evidence of discrimination. Of course I want to see full and fair opportunities for all. I suggest that the hon. and learned Gentleman and others wait until we get the results of surveys covering applications for Civil Service appointments. We shall then be in a better position to judge the realities of the situation.

Mr. Forth

Will my hon. Friend assure the House that recruitment and preferment in the Civil Service will continue to be made on the basis of merit alone, because that will best serve the public?

Mr. Hayhoe

I give my hon. Friend that absolute assurance. I agree that that is the right and historic way of making Civil Service appointments and promotions.

Mr. Meadowcroft

I accept that the monitoring surveys can be beneficial to ethnic minorities, but does the Minister accept that there are dangers in being able to trace records back to individual applicants or employees? Therefore, will he make sure that it is not possible to trace records back to individuals?

Mr. Hayhoe

I understand the sensitivities to which the hon. Gentleman refers. The records of the ethnic surveys will be maintained in such a way that they cannot be used to the disadvantage of any of the individuals concerned.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

Do the Government accept that, in the matter of attitudes to ethnic minorities, the standards that are applied to the police should apply to the public services in general?

Mr. Hayhoe

I do not wish to pre-empt a debate which I understand is to take place later today.