HC Deb 04 May 1995 vol 259 cc261-2W
Ms Eagle

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made within his Department on equal opportunities matters. [21517]

Mr. Nelson

In the last year, the Treasury ran a comprehensive programme of equal opportunities awareness training—attended by 75 per cent. of staff—issued a booklet to all staff outlining all aspects of equal opportunity policies which also included targets to fulfil the Treasury's undertakings as a member of Opportunity 2000 and an action plan on ethnic minorities. A survey of provision and arrangements for disabled staff was undertaken and an action plan is being prepared.

Ms Eagle

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he hopes to achieve in his Department over the next three months to push forward the declaration signed in October 1994 at the Vienna conference in preparation for the fourth UN conference on women; and if he will agree to incorporate a section on equal opportunities in his Department's annual report. [21519]

Mr. Nelson

The Government are committed to the principles set out in the regional platform for action agreed at the preparatory conference in Vienna for the fourth UN world conference on women. We have taken these forward through a wide range of programmes and initiatives and will continue to do so.

The Treasury's latest annual report—March 1995, Cm 2817—set out the Department's progress on equal opportunities issues. The Treasury will continue to publish information on equal opportunities issues in its annual report, in accordance with the recommendations in the Oughton report,—"Career Management and Succession Planning in the Civil Service, Cabinet Office (OPSS), 1994," and the White Paper,—"The Civil Service, Taking Forward Continuity and Change", Cm 2748.

Ms Eagle

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the gender assessment being prepared by his Department. [21518]

Mr. Nelson

The Treasury's policy, in line with guidance issued in 1992 by the ministerial group on women's issues, is that policy proposals should ensure that unlawful or unjustifiable sex or race discrimination does not occur and that similar principles apply to people with disabilities. This scrutiny is part of a continuous and routine process, as part of policy advice to Ministers.

Ms Eagle

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Minister in his Department has responsibility for equal opportunities issues. [21516]

Mr. Nelson

I am the Minister responsible for equal opportunities issues.