HC Deb 10 November 1999 vol 337 c579W
9. Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made in recruiting black and Asian people into senior civil service posts. [96789]

Mr. Ian McCartney

We have set targets in the Modernising Government White Paper that by the year 2004–05, 3.2 per cent. of the Senior Civil Service will be from ethnic minority backgrounds—double the current figure. We will report on the progress we have made against these targets next year.

10. Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on progress towards meeting targets for recruitment of ethnic minorities into the Civil Service. [96790]

Mr. Ian McCartney

The Modernising Government White Paper firmly establishes our commitment to achieving diversity in the Civil Service.

Departments will propose targets for ethnic minority recruitment by December 1999 and I will report on the progress next year.