HC Deb 29 March 1993 vol 222 cc61-2W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce a right of appeal for individuals against the issuing of section 42 certificates under the Fair Employment Acts 1976 and 1989; and what steps he is taking to ensure individuals can discover the nature of the allegations made.

Mr. Atkins

There are no plans to introduce a right of appeal. This question was considered in detail before and during the passage of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 and an undertaking was given that the matter would be kept under review. This remains the Government's position.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many section 42 certificates applying to Northern Ireland Electricity were issued under the Fair Employment Acts 1976 and 1989 in each year since their introduction; and what were the numbers for the various religious categories of complainants.

Mr. Atkins

Fourteen certificates relating to Northern Ireland Electricity have been issued under section 42 of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976 (as amended). Three were issued in 1981, three in 1984, two in 1987, four in 1988, one in 1989 and one in 1990. Twelve of the complainants were Roman Catholics and two were Protestants.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of section 42 certificates issued each year under the Fair Employment Act 1976 and its equivalent under the Fair Employment Act 1989 by employer and by religious category for public and private concerns.

Mr. Atkins

I am informed by the chairman of the Fair Employment Commission that the number of certificates issued each year under section 42 of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976, as amended, is as follows:

Number
1977 —
1978 4
1979 —
1980 3
1981 3
1982 1
1983 1
1984 3
1985 2
1986 1
1987 2
1988 6
1989 1
1990 4
1991 —
1992 4
1993 —

Of the complainants, 30 were Roman Catholics and five were Protestants. In 20 cases the employer was a Government Department and in 15 cases the employer was a public body or a publicly owned company.