HC Deb 24 July 1984 vol 64 cc583-4W
Mr. Procto

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list in the Official Report, for each police authority, the ways by which they are encouraging recruitment from amongst the ethnic minorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hurd

Since the report of the study group on ethnic minority recruitment was circulated to chief officers of police in August 1982, most forces have taken steps to ensure that enthnic minority candidates can be identified and that all applications from such candidates are carefully considered. Forces have also increased their efforts to ensure that people in ethnic minority groups are aware of the opportunities offered by a career in the police service. The increased effort is reflected in the recruitment figures.

When the study group reported, there were 386 ethnic minority police officers in England and Wales; on 31 May 1984 there were 646.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police authorities reduce their entry requirements for the ethnic minorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hurd

The responsibility for appointing police constables rests with chief officers of police. I know of no force in which entry requirements have been reduced for members of the ethnic minorities. However, chief officers have been encouraged to exercise their discretion to accept otherwise suitable candidates, regardless of racial origin, who are slightly under the minimum height requirement but who have other qualities or skills.