HC Deb 16 July 1986 vol 101 cc539-40W
56. Mr. Janner

the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of the ethnic minority and implementation of the programme of action on women in the Civil Service in relation to staff in his Department.

Mr. Butcher

The Department is participating fully in the phased ethnic monitoring survey being conducted throughout the Civil Service. By the end of 1986 well over half the Department's staff will have been surveyed and the survey of the remainder is planned to be completed by the middle of 1987. Since October 1985 all new entrants to the Department have been invited to participate in the survey.

The Department continues to implement the programme of action for women in the Civil Service. In particular, further efforts are being made to identify posts suitable for part-time and job sharing arrangements; a leaflet has been prepared informing staff how the Department may be able to help those coping with changed domestic responsibilities; and the Department has established a training course for women in management.