HC Deb 05 March 1991 vol 187 cc82-3W
Mr. McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have been charged under the Child Abduction Act 1984; how many persons have been convicted by the courts; and what sentences were passed in each case.

Mr. John Patten

Information on the number of people charged is not collected centrally.

The data given in the table relates to the number of persons prosecuted and found guilty for offences under the Child Abduction Act 1984. This information is published annually in volumes 1 and 2 of the Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, supplementary tables, copies of which are available in the Library.

As to ethnic origin, for which information is derived from voluntary surveys, 36 members of staff in grades 1 to 7 and their equivalent described themselves as of ethnic minority origin: this represents some 4 per cent. of respondents in these grades.

In the Home Office as a whole, 24 per cent. of staff are women and almost 5 per cent. of respondents to voluntary surveys described themselves as of ethnic minority origin.

Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to recruit members of ethnic minorities in top grades of employment at the Home Office.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

Most senior posts are filled internally and the most important factor in increasing the number of ethnic minority staff in those posts will be their advancement over time through the promotion system. Considerable importance is attached to ensuring that they have every opportunity to do so. Recruitment direct to senior grades is generally conducted by the Civil Service Commission, and is always on the basis of fair and open competition. Advertisements make clear that the civil service is an equal opportunities employer.

Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department last conducted a survey of the ethnic origins of its employees; when it next plans to do so; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

All non-industrial staff in the Home Office were asked to state their ethnic origin in voluntary surveys conducted between 1983 and 1986. A further questionnaire was sent in 1988 to those who had not previously responded. Consideration is now being given to ways in which the response rate for surveys can be increased, and measures are being taken to obtain survey data for industrial staff. People seeking posts in the Department are asked to state their ethnic origin when making their applications.