§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards promoting equal opportunities between employees of different sexes and ethnic origin in the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe National Health Service is an equal opportunities employer. To assist employing authorities in promoting equality of opportunity we have established the national steering group on equal opportunities for women in the National Health Service. The group has issued practical guidance on recruitment and selection procedures and on the monitoring and evaluation of equal opportunities policies. We expect to receive its summary report later this year. The Department also supports the King's Fund task force on racial equality in the National Health Service which was established to accelerate the achievement of equal opportunities for ethnic minorities. We have commended to authorities the task force's model policy, published in July 1987.