HC Deb 11 November 1998 vol 319 c200W
Helen Jones

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to change the Government's policy on non-disclosure of information on the ethnic origin of individuals appointed to public bodies. [59575]

Mr. Kilfoyle

In line with the Government's commitment to greater openness in public appointments, a new policy is being introduced with effect from 1 April 1999. This will require all departments to collect ethnic origin data for their public appointees, on the understanding that such information will be made publicly available on request, subject to the consent of the individuals concerned. The policy will apply to new appointments and re-appointments made from that date.