§ Mr. Cohenasked the Prime Minister what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to ensure that the Commission for Racial Equality's code of practice is adhered to by those who supply goods and services under contract to Her Majesty's Government; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterOn a number of occasions Ministers have made clear their support for the code and its recommendations for good employment practice. Since the code came into operation on 1 April 1984, the Department of Employment's race relations employment advisory service has been in regular contact with industry, including many firms which supply goods and services under contract to Her Majesty's Government, seeking to persuade them to consider and apply the practical guidance given in the code.