HC Deb 24 July 1997 vol 298 cc751-2W
Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals he has for agreeing a protocol on the employment of ex-offenders with the main employer organisations and the trade unions. [10256]

Mr. Andrew Smith

Employers are encouraged to consider all applicants on their merits, including ex-offenders; those released from prison have early access to appropriate DfEE programmes. We have no proposals for a protocol with employers organisations and trade unions; nor have we received any.