HC Deb 10 July 1992 vol 211 cc363-5W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made during the past 12 months to correct the under employment of Protestants within the staff of the Fair Employment Commission.

Mr. Atkins

In the 12 months to 1 January 1992 the commission received 1,389 job applications, of which 57 per cent. were from members of the Protestant community; and appointed 17 staff, of whom nine were Protestant.

In the 12 months to 1 January 1991 the commission received 492 job applications, of which 47 per cent. were from members of the Protestant community; and appointed nine staff, of whom four were Protestant.

The commission's equal opportunity policy provides for outreach measures including positive encouragement to Protestants to apply in job advertisements.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made to correct the under-employment of Protestants in the Bank of Ireland since it was first investigated by the Fair Employment Agency; when the Fair Employment Commission updated the position in this company; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

At the time of the investigation by the Fair Employment Agency in 1985, 222 employees—42.1 per cent.—of the Bank of Ireland were Protestant and 305–57.9 per cent.—were Roman Catholic. In January 1991, 277–44.2 per cent.—were Protestant and 350–55.8 per cent.—were Roman Catholic.

The bank is required by law to undertake a review of its employment composition and practices by 6 February 1993. If the review shows that members of one community are not enjoying fair participation, the bank must engage in affirmative action.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made to correct the under-employment of Protestants in the Allied Irish Banks Ltd. since it was first investigated by the Fair Employment Agency: when the Fair Employment Commission updated the position in this company; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

At the time of the investigation by the Fair Employment Agency in 1985, 164 employees—28.1 per cent.—of the Allied Irish Banks plc were Protestant and 420–71.9 per cent.—were Roman Catholic. In January 1991, 232–31.7 per cent.—were Protestant and 501–68.3 per cent.—were Roman Catholic.

The bank is required by law to undertake a review of its employment composition and practices by 6 February 1993. If the review shows that members of one community are not enjoying fair participation, the bank must engage in affirmative action.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made to correct the under-employment of Protestants by Post Office Counters Ltd. since it was first investigated by the Fair Employment Agency; when the Fair Employment Commission updated the position in this company; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

The Fair Employment Agency began an investigation in 1987 into the Post Office in Northern Ireland. The investigation covered the three businesses within the Post Office Corporation—Royal Mail, Royal Mail Parcelforce and Post Office Counters Ltd. In 1987, 1,764 employees—53.3 per cent.—were Protestant and 1,545–46.7 per cent.—were Roman Catholic. In January 1991, 1,837–51.6 per cent.—were Protestant and 1,721–48.4 per cent.—Roman Catholic.

The Post Office is required by law to undertake a review of its employment composition and practices by 1 January 1993. If the review shows that members of one community are not enjoying fair participation, the Post Office must engage in affirmative action.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made to correct the under-employment of Protestants by Derry city council since it was first investigated by the Fair Employment Agency; when the Fair Employment Commission updated the position within this local authority; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

Derry city council invited the Fair Employment Agency to conduct an investigation of its employment composition and practices. In March 1986, 166 of its employees—30.5 per cent.—were Protestant and 378–69.5 per cent.—Roman Catholic. In January 1991, 167–31.3 per cent.—were Protestant and 366–68.7 per cent.—Roman Catholic.

The council is required by law to undertake a review of its employment composition and practices by 1 January 1993. If the review shows that members of one community are not enjoying fair participation, the council must engage in affirmative action.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made to correct the under-employment of Protestants by Down district council since it was first investigated by the Fair Employment Agency; when the Fair Employment Commission updated the position within this local authority; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

Down district council was not subject to a formal investigation by the Fair Employment Agency.

The council is required by law to undertake a review of its employment composition and practices by 1 January 1993. If the review shows that members of one community are not enjoying fair participation, the council must engage in affirmative action.

Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made to correct the under-employment of Protestants by Newry and Mourne district council since it was first investigated by the Fair Employment Agency; when the Fair Employment Commission updated the position within this local authority; and it' he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

When the Fair Employment Agency began its investigation in October 1986, 50 employees—11.7 per cent.—of Newry and Mourne district council were Protestant and 378–88.3 per cent.—were Roman Catholic. In January 1991, 29–9.5 per cent.—were Protestant and 276–90.5 per cent.—Roman Catholic.

The council is required by law to undertake a review of its employment composition and practices by 1 January 1993. If the review shows that members of one community are not enjoying fair participation, the council must engage in affirmative action.