§ 21. Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on his plans to increase the representation of ethnic minorities in the senior civil service.[80314]
§ Mr. KilfoyleThe Civil Service has a strong commitment to equality of opportunity and wants to reflect the full diversity of society at all levels.
Addressing the under-representation of ethnic minorities in the Senior Civil Service is a priority. The Modernising Government White Paper set out targets for ethnic minority representation in the Senior Civil Service. By 2004–05, our aim is that 3.2 per cent. of the Senior Civil Service will be from ethnic minority backgrounds—this is double the current position.