36. Ms. AbbotTo ask the Secretary of State For Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that black and ethnic minority Manpower Services Commission trainees are not discriminated against either in the type of scheme they are offered or in the treatment meted out to them whilst on training schemes.
§ Mr. CopeI have taken steps by issuing orders under section 13(2)(d) of the Race Relations Act 1976 to apply the relevant sections of the Act to trainees seeking access to MSC-sponsored training schemes. To help the commission ensure that its equal opportunities policy is working effectively, the participation of ethnic minority groups in its programmes is monitored closely. The commission also provides courses specifically for ethnic minorities, where they have special needs or where they are under-represented in particular skills or occupations. All contracts require training providers to comply with current race relations legislation.