§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department last conducted a survey of the ethnic origins of its employees; when it next plans to do so; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellThe last survey of ethnic origin conducted in the Department was over the period June to October 1989. In accordance with the Department's action plan on equal opportunities, a further survey is planned to commence in June this year.
§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what percentage of officers in each grade (1–7) and overall in the Department are(a) women and (b) from ethnic minorities, respectively.
§ Mr. DorrellThe information requested is set out in the table:
Grade Total Staff1 Female Ethnic Minority2 Number Per cent. Number Per cent. 1 1 0 — 0 — 2 9 2 22.2 0 — 3 24 5 20.8 0 — 4 24 7 29.2 0 — 5 173 55 31.8 7 4.0 6 183 51 27.9 5 2.7 7 341 94 27.6 8 2.3 Total 755 214 28.3 20 2.6 1 Figures from the Department's payroll as at 31 January 1991. 2 Figures based on questionnaires voluntarily completed by stiff. For the grades shown the overall response rate was 89.4 per cent.
§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to recruit members of ethnic minorities in top grades of employment at his Department.
§ Mr. DorrellRecruitment for established appointments at senior level is undertaken by the Civil Service Commission. The Department supports the various initiatives which the Civil Service Commission is taking to aid the recruitment of members of the ethnic minorities.