§ 12. Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, when he next meets the chairman of British Rail, he will raise with him the issue of equal employment opportunities.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. David Mitchell)It is the duty of the board to adhere to statutory requirements and within that to develop its own employment policies.
§ Mr. CohenThe recent Equal Opportunities Commission report shows that there is widespread sexual discrimination in British Rail's recruitment and employment policies. Of the total work force, only 7 per cent. are women. They are very few women drivers and guards and very few women in management. Indeed, British Rail sometimes punishes men by making them work with women in some of the heaviest jobs, an example of which is carriage cleaning. Will the Minister take prompt action on the report to ensure that the management of British Rail works towards equal opportunities?
§ Mr. MitchellThe British Railways Board is keen to co-operate with the Equal Opportunities Commission. However, the report is only a draft. We in the Department have not seen it. Therefore, I am in no position to comment on its contents.