HC Deb 10 March 1983 vol 38 cc497-8W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from interested parties with regard to the Commission for Racial Equality's code of practice in employment; if he will list the organisations from which he has received representations on this subject; and whether he plans to have any further discussion with the Commission for Racial Equality in the light of these representations.

Mr. Alison

In addition to the important report received from the Employment Committee on the CRE's draft code of practice—published on 26 May 1982 as HC 273—and the associated minutes of evidence, representations have been received from the following:

  • The Association of British Chambers of Commerce
  • The Association of County Councils
  • The Association of Independent Businesses
  • The Afro-Caribbean Development Society Ltd.
  • The Confederation of British Industry
  • The Confederation of Indian Organisations
  • The Greater London Council
  • The Institute of Personnel Management
  • The London Borough of Lewisham
  • The National Chamber of Trade
  • The Scottish Council for Racial Equality
  • The Teeside Small Business Club Ltd.
  • The Trades Union Congress
  • The National Association of Community Relations Councils and local Community Relations Councils in, Bolton, Charnwood, Dudley, Hounslow, Ipswich, Lewisham, Northampton and Redbridge.

No further discussions with the Commission for Racial Equality are planned at present.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many meetings he has had so far with the Commission for Racial Equality to discuss the commission's proposed code of practice in employment; and what other discussions he has had with individuals and organisations on this matter.

Mr. Alison

There have been four meetings between Ministers of this Department and representatives of the Commission for Racial Equality to discuss the draft code of practice. Other meetings have been held between my officials and the CRE. In the course of preparing the draft code the CRE consulted a wide range of organisations representative of employers or workers, and we have received a considerable number of written representations on this matter.