§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Answer given by Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish on 24th June (WA 48) concerning the low proportion of men employed by the Department of Social Security, whether they will instruct ministers personally to investigate the recruitment policies of the department, especially the content of equal opportunities awareness training and whether there is a policy of positive discrimination in favour of women being implemented by the department and its agencies.
§ Lord Mackay of ArdbrecknishThe department's recruitment policies follow the Civil Service Commissioners rules on recruitment by fair and open competition and selection on merit. I am satisfied that the policies are free from positive discrimination, which is illegal. The aim of equal opportunities awareness training is to remove bias or prejudice towards any particular group, and not to encourage reverse discrimination.