§ Mr. Keith HillTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people are employed by his Department to provide advice on the application of equal opportunities; and at what cost in the last year for which figures are available. [14466]
§ Mr. BowisThe management of equal opportunities is an integral part of personnel work in the Department and its agencies, but certain staff carry specific responsibilities for particular equal opportunities issues. In the central transport group there are six, in the Highways Agency, three, in the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, four, in the Vehicle Certification Agency, three, in the Driving Standards Agency, four, in the Vehicle Inspectorate, one, in the Marine Safety Agency, one, and in the Coastguard Agency, one. The cost of that part of their work, and of other staff in handling equal opportunities issues, cannot readily be disaggregated.
In addition, the 18 staff in the Department's mobility unit handle issues covering disability, gender and race in relation to transport. Again, the part of their work which specifically focuses on equal opportunities cannot readily be disaggregated.