HC Deb 05 March 1985 vol 74 cc518-20W
Mr. Janner

asked the Minister for the Civil Service by whom the appropriate timetable is being worked out for the institution of a programme of ethnic monitoring to cover industrial staff in the east and west midlands; and when he expects to announce the starting date for such a programme.

Mr. Hayhoe

The timetable for a programme of ethnic surveys is being worked out by officials of the Cabinet Office, Her Majesty's Treasury and Departments employing industrial staff in consultation with the trade union side of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Government Industrials. It is hoped that conclusions will be reached this spring.

Mr. Janner

asked the Minister for the Civil Service when he expects the report on the data from the recruitment surveys undertaken in the north-west and county of Avon by officials of the Cabinet Office and Her Majesty's Treasury to be completed; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Hayhoe

The report on these surveys should be published in May.

Mr. Janner

asked the Minister for the Civil Service which Departments are represented in the discussions to set up procedures for obtaining the ethnic information from new entrants from the autumn; and whether he has sought the guidance of the Commission for Racial Equality in respect of necessary procedures and documentation.

Mr. Hayhoe

The procedures for obtaining the ethnic information from new entrants are being settled by the joint working party on race relations in the Civil Service. This consists of representatives from Departments and the unions. The Commission for Racial Equality is given the opportunity to comment on all the necessary documentation. The Departments represented on the joint working party are: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Ministry of Defence, Department of Employment, Department of the Environment, Department of Transport, Department of Health and Social Security, Home Office, Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise.