§ Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the total work force in his Department is of ethnic minority origin; and what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of people from the ethnic minorities in his Department. [102727]
§ Mr. ByersOn 1 April 1999, the percentage of staff in the DTI of ethnic minority origin was 14.3 per cent. This includes staff in DTI Headquarters, but excludes casual staff and staff in Government Offices and Executive Agencies.
My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, set out in his reply of 16 December 1999, Official Report, column 264W, corporate action across the Civil Service to encourage the employment of people from ethnic minorities. This Department continues to raise awareness of the DTI through careers events focusing on ethnic minority groups. The Department consults advisers on diversity and racial awareness issues and constantly reviews its recruitment procedures.