Written question asked by Lord Maclennan of Rogart (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 December 2000. It was answered by Baroness Jowell (Labour) on Thursday, 14 December 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, 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 services and employment for which his Department has responsibility. (Holding answer 12 December 2000).

Answer: Mr. Maclennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment 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 services and employment for which his Department has responsibility. [141486] Ms Jowell: [holding answer 12 December 2000]: As an equal opportunities employer, the Department is committed to fairness and equality of opportunity for all in employment and advancement on the basis of suitability. As an employer we aim to develop DfEE into an organisation that values the diversity of its staff and enables all to realise their potential by valuing the contribution of all and recognising the positive benefits that difference can bring. The Department also aims to ensure that it mainstreams equal opportunities in all its policies, programmes and services in line with the joint-departmental guidelines "Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment" issued in 1998.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 359 c238W;359 c236W; 141486
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Disability Age Equality Homosexuality Gender Government departments Ethnic groups Religion Department for Education and Employment
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk