HC Deb 24 October 1989 vol 158 c661
13. Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he now plans to take to increase the recruitment of ethnic minorities into the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Neubert

We have received the report on the study that we commissioned earlier this year into ethnic minority recruitment to the armed services and will be making an announcement shortly. In the meantime, we are giving greater attention to recruitment from the ethnic minorities, which we are keen to encourage.

Mr. Kirkwood

Has it not taken the Government an unconscionable time to get round to doing something about this? Is the Minister aware that we are talking not just about recruitment of non-commissioned ranks but about commissioning for ethnic groups within all services and all ranks. I shall be interested to know how many black RAF officers the hon. Gentleman meets in the next six months of his ministerial duties.

Mr. Neubert

I cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's strictures. He knows that we are anxious to recruit from ethnic minority communities. We have had policies under way to this end and shall no doubt be introducing more. Examples of how we seek to recruit from the ethnic minorities include translating recruiting pamphlets into ethnic minority languages, advertising in the ethnic minority press and making greater use of black recruiters in careers information offices.

Mr. Marlow

Is my hon. Frend keener to recruit from ethnic minorities than from the rest of the community or is he equally keen?

Mr. Neubert

Such linguistic discussion would be invidious. We are keen to recruit to the full level of manpower needed for the operational role.

Mr. Ashley

When does the Minister intend to comment on the report that he has received about racism in the Army?

Mr. Neubert

I regret that I did not hear all the right hon. Gentleman's question. Obviously, the report, which is being considered by officials and on which Ministers will shortly make an announcement, will deal with all factors in the perception of the ethnic minorities in relation to the armed services.