HC Deb 29 April 1985 vol 78 cc24-5W
Mr. Janner

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

Mr. Brittan

Both male and white.

Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. Britian

Yes, on the basis of the information now available. To ensure equality of opportunity as far as possible, my Department 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. The equal opportunities officers have encouraged the provision of advice to staff generally on the Civil Service's policy as an equal opportunity employer, on the scope for part-time working, job-sharing and re-instatement, and on sexual harassment, and to all line managers on their responsibilities for ensuring racial and sexual equality. They are also concerned with guidance to staff involved in recruitment, selection, promotion, career management and training.