To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the answer of 25 November 2008, Official Report, column 1184W, on departmental manpower, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the differences in the percentage of white staff receiving the highest marking in each annual appraisal round as compared to staff from ethnic minorities. (244454)

The Department for Transport assesses the distribution of appraisal marks annually. Performance reports are countersigned and then moderated. Line managers receive regular training on the Department's performance management scheme and consequent diversity implications.

For the 2007-08 performance year, proposed markings for Department for Transport (DfT) (c) were analysed for diversity purposes and where appropriate business units were challenged to ensure that the markings were fair and correct. This pro-active challenge will continue in future years.

Further analysis is being undertaken, and initial findings suggest that variations from expected distribution is due to a number of factors. The final analysis will be published early in 2009.

The Department's performance management system is under review and any changes will be subject to an equality impact assessment.