HC Deb 29 April 1985 vol 78 cc59-60W
Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of what sex and ethnic origins are the officers designated by his Department as equal opportunities officers.

Mr. Renton

My equal opportunities officers are male and white. Their appointments were agreed with the respective trade union sides.

Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. Renton

Yes. Although we are continuing to look for further improvements. To this end we shall be conducting ethnic surveys of all staff (under the Government's phased programme) to enable ethnic monitoring to be carried out and shall continue carefully to monitor the implementation of the programme of action on women in the Civil Service announced on 9 February 1985.