HC Deb 14 May 1992 vol 207 cc168-9W
Mr. Janner

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when his Department last conducted a survey of the ethnic origin of its employees; when it next plans to do so; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

Voluntary surveys were last conducted in 1988 (DTI) and 1990 (Department of Energy). The resulting databases have been continuously updated with information on new staff and leavers. As part of departmental initiatives for action on race, an exercise aimed at improving the positive response rate was conducted in both Departments during 1991–92. A total of 88 per cent. of staff currently employed by the Department —including its executive agencies and the former Department of Energy—have declared their ethnic origin.

Mr. Janner

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many and what percentage of officers in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, respectively, and overall in his Department are members of ethnic minorities.

Mr. Eggar

The figures for the Department, including its executive agencies and the former Department of Energy, as at 1 January 1992 are—from an 88 per cent. positive response rate to ethnic survey:

Grade level Number of respondents Percentage of staff
Grade 1–4 Nil
Grade 5 2 1
Grade 6 6 3
Grade 7 25 2
All respondents, including industrial grades 1,287 9