HC Deb 05 March 1990 vol 168 c588
103. Mr. Charles Wardle

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what steps he is taking to eliminate racial discrimination in the Civil Service.

Mr. Luce

The Government are an equal opportunity employer. They have a range of policies to prevent racial discrimination and are drawing up a formal programme for action to increase equality of opportunity for people of ethnic minority origin, which I plan to launch in May.

Mr. Wardle

Is not it essential that the Civil Service leads the way in this country, in ensuring that racial discrimination does not affect the progress of anyone at work?

Mr. Luce

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Under the policy of equality of opportunity, it is right to have a positive action programme for such subjects. About 4.2 per cent. of ethnic minorities are represented in the Civil Service, which roughly reflects the working population. They are not represented at senior level, but we must ensure true equality of opportunity.