§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will seek powers to instigate a programme of positive discrimination to increase the number of women holding the position of chief librarian.
§ Mr. NichollsNo. Employers in the library service, as in other areas of employment, are bound by the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 to afford equal opportunities to women and men. If women take advantage of the opportunities available to them there is no reason why more should not progress to hold the post of chief librarian, when such posts fall vacant.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will establish guidelines to ensure equal opportunities for women as chief librarians.
§ Mr. NichollsNo. The Sex Discrimination and Equal Pay Acts already provide a comprehensive legislative framework for the elimination of sex descrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities, including in the employment field. If any woman feels that she has been unlawfully discriminated against, she has the right to seek redress by making a complaint to an industrial tribunal.
The Government commend to all employers, including those in the library service, the sensible practical advice contained in the Equal Opportunities Commission's code of practice on employment.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to monitor the workings of the Equal Opportunities Act to ensure that there is a positive attempt to equate the sexes in the library services.
§ Mr. NichollsSex discrimination in employment is unlawful under the Sex Discrimination and Equal Pay Acts. The Government already monitor the general working of these Acts. In addition, the Equal Opportunities Commission has a statutory responsibility for advising the Government on the working of the Acts.