§ Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the equality of opportunities in his Department in so far as they concern sex and race discrimination; and what advice has lately been given to staff in his Department in respect thereof by the officer designated as equal opportunities officer with responsibility for giving such advice.
§ Mr. JoplingYes, on the basis of the information now available. To ensure equality of opportunity as far as possible, we will be conducting ethnic surveys of all staff (under the Government's phased programme) to enable ethnic monitoring to be carried out, and the implementation of the programme of action on women in the Civil Service announced on 9 February 1984 is being carefully monitored. My equal opportunities officer has advised all members of my staff of their rights and responsibilities in respect of equal opportunities legislation and departmental codes of practice concerning sexual and racial discrimination.