§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Solicitor-General what training(a) in race awareness and (b) on employers' responsibilities under the Race Relations Act 1975 has been undertaken by (i) the DPP, (ii) CPS chief Crown prosecutors, (iii) CPS assistant chief Crown prosecutors and (iv) CPS branch Crown prosecutors; what plans he has to review training in (a) and (b); and if he will make a statement. [95773]
The Solicitor-GeneralA programme of training in race awareness was introduced in the Crown Prosecution Service for all staff managers in September 1997. In the London Area, which has a high percentage of staff from minority racial and cultural backgrounds, this training was extended to all staff. The course covers the provisions of the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. The Director of Public Prosecutions and the Chief Executive have received this training since joining the CPS. The Chief Crown Prosecutors who were appointed to their posts this year will either have received this training earlier or should have done so by the end of 779W the year. This training is now provided on an on-going basis so that all new managers receive it shortly after appointment.
The structure, delivery and content of all training provided within the CPS is currently being reviewed by the Equality Committee that was formed within the Department in August this year.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Solicitor-General what the present position is in relation to the Commission for Racial Equality's possible investigation into the Crown Prosecution Service; and if he will make a statement. [95774]
The Solicitor-GeneralOn 27 July 1999 the Commission for Racial Equality wrote to the Crown Prosecution Service indicating that it was minded to undertake a formal investigation under section 48 of the Race Relations Act 1976. The Crown Prosecution Service have made written representations to the Commission in response to their letter and discussed these with a number of Commissioners on 5 October. The Crown Prosecution Service is currently waiting to hear from the Commission with their conclusions.