§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with security measures at the Royal Victoria hospital; and what improvements, if any, are envisaged.
§ Mr. AlisonThe level of security at the Royal Victoria hospital, like that at many other establishments in Northern Ireland, is kept under constant review by the appropriate authorities and adjustments are made when thought necessary. A number of measures to improve security for both patients and staff at the Royal Victoria hospital have been taken over the years. Further measures are under consideration, but it would not be in the872W interests of those concerned to disclose details.
§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he proposes to take to rectify the religious imbalance in the security personnel at the Royal Victoria hospital, which has few members of the majority community.
§ Mr. AlisonI am satisfied that no action is necessary. The health and social services boards provide equality of employment opportunity in the services administered by them without regard to religious, political or racial considerations. This policy is embodied in the code of employment procedure and associated selection and appointment procedures which govern the recruitment, selection and appointment of persons to posts in the Northern Ireland health and personal social services.