HC Deb 14 October 1996 vol 282 cc789-90W
Ms. Abbott

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many women from ethnic minorities are employed by his Department and its agencies; at what grade; and what measures he has taken to encourage the(a) recruitment, (b) employment and (c) promotion of women from ethnic minorities within his Department and its agencies. [39901]

Mr. Boswell

The number and grades of known ethnic minority women in the Ministry including its agencies is as follows:

Grade equivalent Number
Grade 7 2
SEO 3
HEO 12
EO 29
AO 99
AA 91
Total 236

The Ministry has in place comprehensive strategies aimed at ensuring equality and fair representation in recruitment, retention and development of both women staff and of staff of ethnic minority background. These strategies form part of the Ministry's wider equal opportunities policy.