HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc790-1W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure equal opportunities in the Diplomatic Service for women; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

It is the policy of the Diplomatic Service that all eligible persons shall have equal opportunity for

employment and advancement on the basis of ability, qualifications and fitness for the work that there shall be no direct or indirect sex discrimination whether in recruitment, training, promotion or in any other way. The Civil Service policy statement on equal opportunities for men and women has been brought to the attention of all members of staff and the programme of action prepared in response to the report of the joint review group on employment opportunities for women in the Civil Service is being implemented. Equal opportunity officers have been appointed and a joint management/trade union side working party has been set up to oversee the implementation of the policy. Its first meeting was held on 10 July.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report the number of staff employed in the Diplomatic Service at the latest available date; and how many were women.

Mr. Whitney

On 1 July 1984 there were 4,547 staff employed in the Diplomatic Service, of whom 1,346 were women.