§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to promote equality between(a) older people, (b) disabled people, (c) ethnic minorities, (d) religious minorities, (e) women and (f) gay and lesbian people, and the rest of the population, with respect to the activities within the responsibility of his Department. [141489]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence, its agencies and the armed forces, are committed to, and operate a policy of, equal opportunity for all staff and for those applying for employment. The Department's equal opportunities policy clearly states that there must be no unfair discrimination on the basis of: gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, religious belief, physical or mental disability, or working pattern.
71WThe Ministry of Defence, its agencies and the armed forces are working hard, in partnership with external organisations (such as the Commission for Racial Equality, Opportunity Now and the Employers' Forum on Disability) to increase the overall number of civilian and service personnel they employ from under-represented groups. They are also striving to ensure that all policies, procedures and services are developed with a view to promoting diversity and to valuing the positive benefits that difference can bring.