§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many companies or public bodies in Northern Ireland have suffered Government sanctions for failure to observe the code on fair employment;
(2) how many manufacturing service and commercial organisations, local councils and Government departments who have signed the fair employment undertaking have had Government sanctions taken against them for alleged discrimination in employment practice.
§ Mr. Viggers[holding answer 16 February 1988]: Government Departments in Northern Ireland and the major public bodies sponsored by them do not normally accept tenders from employers unless they are in possession of an equal opportunity certificate issued under section 7 of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976, following the signature of a declaration of principle and intent. No central records are kept in respect of tenders not accepted.