§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many jobs are on offer under the eight-point plan to increase the number of managers in the NHS from the ethnic minorities; and what has been the take-up and distribution of the opportunities under the programme. [21495]
§ Mr. MaloneThe programme referred to, "Ethnic minority staff in the NHS: a programme of action", aims to ensure that the national health service makes full use of the abilities of all its staff. It provides a framework within which trusts and health authorities set employment equality objectives as part of their mainstream business planning. Selection remains on merit alone: there are no quotas or jobs "on offer". A copy of the programme is available in the Library.