HC Deb 03 February 2004 vol 417 cc620-1
22. Mr. Wayne David(Lab) (Caerphilly)

What action the Government are taking to ensure there are more people from the ethnic minorities appointed to public bodies. [152264]

The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Douglas Alexander)

This Government are committed to achieving greater diversity in public appointments. As of 31 March 2003, people from ethnic minorities held 5.3 per cent. of appointments—an increase from the 3.6 per cent. Figure of 1997. Individual Departments have developed action plans to ensure that even more progress is made in this important area.

Mr. David

I thank the Minister for his reply, but can he tell the House to what extent the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, which gives authorities a new statutory duty to promote race equality, is assisting the work of his Department and of other public bodies?

Mr. Alexander

My hon. Friend's point about the 2000 Act is an important one. It came about as a result of a very important public inquiry into racism affecting a group across society. In that sense, the legislation is already forming a key part of the thinking not just of one Government Department—my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has made a recent announcement in this regard—but of a range of Departments, including the Cabinet Office.

Mr. Richard Allan(LD) (Sheffield, Hallam)

The Government deserve some credit for the progress made since the 2000 report, "Quangos: Opening up Public Appointments", but does the Minister recognise that there are still some very weak Departments, particularly the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence? Can he say whether progress has been made on including tribunals in the diversity programme that he oversees?

Mr. Alexander

There are certain restriction—sage restrictions, for example—for tribunals, which do not apply to other public bodies. However, I acknowledge the point that Departments are at different stages in moving forward the diversity agendas and I am happy to communicate the points raised today and ensure that the hon. Member receives a direct reply.

Brian White(Lab) (Milton Keynes, North-East)

The Minister will be aware that the Public Administration Committee's report suggested innovative ways of appointing people to various bodies. Will he assure the House that Departments will examine those innovative ways forward rather than carry on appointing in the same old way?

Mr. Alexander

I understand my hon. Friend's point about the Publication Administration Committee's report "Government by Appointment", which was published on 10 July 2003. The Government responded to the proposals on 17 December last year, but I understand that only this morning the Chairman of the Select Committee made further comment, so these matters continue to be a feature of public debate.