§ Lord Graham of Edmontonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What proportion of the armed forces belong to any of the ethnic minority groups; and
What proportion of those members of the armed forces who reach NCO rank are drawn from the ethnic minorities.
§ The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Lord Trefgarne)The information requested is not held.
§ Lord Graham of Edmontonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any soldier from the ethnic minorities participated in the Trooping the Colour.
§ Lord TrefgarneRecords of the ethnic origin of soldiers are not held.
§ Lord Graham of Edmontonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are at present implementing measures to improve recruitment in the armed forces with respect to ethnic minorities.
§ Lord TrefgarneThe armed forces are already equal opportunity employers under the terms of the Race Relations Act 1976. Recruitment into the armed forces is by merit alone.