§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that ethnic minority employees in the National Health Service are not restricted in their professions and career by racial discrimination; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeAll health authorities and their staff are bound by an agreement, reached nationally, that staff should be afforded equal opportunities in employment irrespective of their sex, marital status, race, religion, creed or colour. I have no reason to doubt that health authorities seek to provide such equal opportunities. Health authorities have been advised to develop procedures affording equality of opportunity to minority groups.
A report of the Commission for Racial Equality on "Ethnic Minority Hospital Staff" has suggested that there remains potential for discrimination in the NHS. We shall consider in the light of this report, the views of health authorities, and other evidence, whether any further action is required.