HC Deb 03 June 1997 vol 295 cc124-5W
Valerie Davey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans the Government have to review the role and function of the Equal Opportunities Commission. [2023]

Mr. Andrew Smith

Against the background of this Government's firm commitment to equal opportunities and the practice of quinquennial policy and financial management reviews of non-departmental public bodies, the Department will conduct a thorough review of the Equal Opportunities Commission during 1997–98. The first stage of the review will take the form of a "prior options" study with the following terms of reference:

  1. 1. To review the functions of the Equal Opportunities Commission, the effectiveness with which they have been carried out and the likely need in future for these functions.
  2. 2. To consider the case for the continued existence of the Equal Opportunities Commission and how its functions can be best fulfilled.
  3. 3. To consider the powers, constitutional status, membership and terms of reference of the Equal Opportunities Commission.
  4. 4. The review will have regard to the Government's equal opportunities policies and to the duties of the Commission as laid down in statute.
  5. 5. To report the outcome of the review by 11 September 1997.

This study is now underway and I would welcome comments from interested parties. Comments, which may be made public unless respondents specifically request otherwise, should be sent, by 4 July, to:

  • Jane Anderson
  • Divisional Manager
  • Sex and Race Equality Division
  • Department for Education and Employment
  • Room 401
  • Caxton House
  • Tothill Street
  • London SW1H 9NF.