HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 cc635-6W
Keith Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to increase the level of representations of black and Asian people in his Department. [78866]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The FCO is determined to increase the level of representation of ethnic minorities. But there is no "quick fix" without using positive discrimination, which is unlawful. We continue to seek and attract high calibre candidates from all sectors of the community. We use targeted marketing techniques to advertise career opportunities as widely as possible and encourage applications from black and Asian people. Our objective is to ensure that 10 per cent. of recruits to the Diplomatic Service are from minority ethnic backgrounds. Encouragingly, in 2002 we exceeded this target. 15 per cent. of new entrants at policy level were from black and Asian backgrounds.

Mr. Macshane

I will write to the hon. Member shortly.