§ Mr. McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many race discrimination cases have been heard at employment tribunals in London since May 1997. [79006]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThere are three employment tribunals which cover London and its surrounding areas, London North, Stratford and London South. Since April 1997 these tribunals have heard 1,889 race discrimination cases.
§ Mr. McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of those employment tribunals in London which heard race discrimination cases since May 1997, included a wing member from a minority ethnic group. [79010]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThere are three employment tribunals which cover London and its surrounding areas. 391 lay members have been appointed to hear cases812W in these tribunals, 50 of whom are known to be from ethnic minority groups. In addition to member from ethnic minority groups there is a panel of special members who are available to sit on discrimination cases because of their experience and knowledge.
Information is not readily available to enable us to identify how many ethnic minority members have heard race discrimination cases and could only be supplied at disproportionate cost.
The Government are reviewing the process of recruitment and appointment of employment tribunal wing members and a consultation paper setting out our proposals has been sent to the social partners. A major aim of the review is to ensure that members are drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds as possible, including the ethnic minorities.