HC Deb 17 December 1996 vol 287 cc577-8W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many female chief constables there have been since 1966. [8859]

Mr. Maclean

The first female chief constable was appointed on 31 July 1995 to Lancashire Constabulary. A second female chief constable was recently appointed to Wiltshire Constabulary with effect from 1 April 1997.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure that female police officers reach senior positions; and if he will make a statement. [8861]

Mr. Maclean

The police service, supported by the Government, actively pursues equal opportunities policies. Such policies directly affect the numbers of female police officers who are now able to reach the more senior ranks.

Every force has an equal opportunities statement which includes sections on unfair discrimination, and which is supported by a grievance procedure.

In addition, forces are committed to open selection and promotion systems and make regular use of the Equal Opportunities Commission codes of practice on selection and promotion.

Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary has been a driving force behind many equal opportunities initiatives and maintains an oversight of equal opportunity issues within the police service. The inspectorate carries out regular inspections of forces and monitors the implementation of equal opportunities policies.

Police forces are also subject, in common with other employers, to the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. These require forces not to discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ethnic or national origin or gender in the recruitment and promotion of staff.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many female(a) chief constables, (b) deputy chief constables, (c) assistant chief constables, (d) chief superintendents and (e) superintendents there are currently. [8860]

Mr. Maclean

At present there is one chief constable, although there will be two with effect from 1 April 1997. There are seven assistant chief constables and 41 superintendents, the ranks of deputy chief constables and chief superintendent having been abolished in 1995.