<p>The Department monitors the ethnic diversity of boards but racial or ethnic identity is not self-evident and is sensitive personal data. Given the small numbers involved we could not disclose the results of our monitoring without infringing the rights of the individuals concerned.</p><p>In his most recent annual report (2012-13) the Government Lead Non-Executive, Lord Browne, accepted that “the numbers of non-executives with minority ethnic backgrounds remains disappointingly low” but reiterated his commitment to improving their representation on departmental boards. This is a commitment I share.</p><p>The Department is committed to ensuring that it reflects the diversity of the public which we serve at all levels.</p>