HC Deb 15 February 1990 vol 167 c344W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by the senate of the Queen's university of Belfast to ensure that the current imbalances in employment practices will be rectified.

Dr. Mawhinney

The Queen's university of Belfast is an autonomous institution with its own charter and statutes; recruitment and employment practices are entirely a matter for the university authorities.

I am aware, however, that various initiatives are to be undertaken as a result of the recent Fair Employment Agency report. These include the appointment of an administrative officer with special responsibilities for equal opportunities, and a review of the university's job advertising, recruitment and promotion procedures.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by the senate of the Queen's university of Belfast to ensure that the current imbalances in acceptances of undergraduates will be rectified.

Dr. Mawhinney

The admissions policy of Queen's university is entirely a matter for the university authorities. I am unaware of any particular imbalance in the acceptance of undergraduates.