§ Mr. EffordTo ask the President of the Council what assessment she has made of the implications for her Department of the Macpherson Inquiry recommendations; and if she will make a statement. [80538]
§ Mrs. BeckettI refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on 14 April 1999,Official Report, columns 239–40, by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office. The Privy Council Office will participate fully in Government initiatives to improve the representation of ethnic minorities in the Civil Service. The Department has few policy responsibilities which impact directly on racism in society, but it does have responsibility for the appointment of High Sheriffs. There are currently no Sheriffs from the ethnic minorities, and the Privy Council Office wrote last year to the Shrievalty Association 467W expressing concern. The Association has agreed to address this point specifically in guidance to their members, since under the relevant legislation it is for serving Sheriffs to provide nominations. My Department will continue regularly to monitor the position and to urge action where necessary.