HC Deb 03 December 1974 vol 882 cc397-8W
27. Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he proposes to reply to the recommendations contained in the Select Committee on Race Relations' Report on employment.

Mr. John Fraser

The report is being studied carefully in my Department, and action has already been taken to follow up some of its recommendations, including those concerning the training of young immigrants. However, the report also included a number of recommendations connected with future legislation, and it will not be possible to reply to these until the Government's plans are further advanced.

29. Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps are being taken by his Department to improve race relations in the area of employment.

Mr. John Fraser

My Dapertment is constantly engaged in the task of improving race relations in employment. Priority is currently being given to promoting the development of language training facilities at work, and we are planning to extend our advisory work particularly with an aim to encouraging employers and unions to adopt equal opportunity policies.

50. Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of race relations employment advisers now employed by his Department.

Mr. John Fraser

On 2nd December 1974 there were 14 race relations employment advisers, five of whom were part time, providing a specialist service to both sides of industry. Advisers work closely with the agencies of the Manpoyer Services Commission and deal with a wide ringe of questions which may arise in a multi-racial workforce, in particular the introduction and operation of equal opportunity policies covering matters such as recruitment and promotion, the training of shop stewards and supervisors, language training and the handling of problems which may result from an inadequate knowledge of the social and cultural background of immigrant workers.