§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the reason for the delay in giving advice to National Health Service employees on the implementation of the Commission for Racial Equality's code of practice; when this was approved by the Government; what attention has been paid to the Commission for Racial Equality's report on the National Health Service; and what representations he has received from the General Whitley Council staff on advice being given to National Health Service employees on this matter.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe code of practice on race relations was approved by the Government in March 1984 to come into effect on 1 April 1984. The chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality wrote to chairmen of all health authorities in November 1983 drawing their attention to the code of practice and consultation after 1 April suggested that health authorities were well aware of their responsibilities. The need for immediate advice did not, therefore, arise. The Commission's report on "Ethnic Minority Hospital Staff" has also had wide circulation within the National Health Service. The staff side of the General Whitley Council has expressed its concern that some action should flow from this report and the code of practice and I am currently considering its representations.