§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his Department's policy on sexual harassment at work; whether guidance on reporting complaints has been issued to all staff; how many complaints have been reported in the past five years; and what disciplinary action has been taken.
§ Mr. RifkindMy Department's policy statement makes it clear that sexual harassment constitutes unacceptable behaviour which will not be tolerated. The policy statement, and guidance on reporting complaints, was brought to the attention of all staff by an office notice and is separately covered in the staff handbook. A leaflet to be issued to all new entrants is in course of preparation. Four formal complaints about sexual harassment have been made during the last five years. Disciplinary action was taken in three cases.