§ 32. Sir G. Youngasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will issue instructions to prevent any further dismissals from the Civil Service of Pakistanis on the ground that they are no longer United Kingdom citizens.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisNo, Sir.
§ Sir G. YoungIs it not regrettable that a civil servant who has discharged his duties perfectly adequately in the Department of Health and Social Security should be dismissed simply because the country in which he was born happened to leave the Commonwealth? Would there not be a national outcry if private employers treated their employees as the Civil Service treats its employees?
§ Mr. MorrisThe case to which the hon. Gentleman refers is being considered by the Home Secretary and the Home Office. On the major issue, I should point out that most countries restrict employment in their permanent Civil Service to their own nationals. The United Kingdom is no exception. Nationality provides a test of loyalty to the State which it is only reasonable to require of members of the Government service.
§ Mr. SpearingWill my hon. Friend confirm that in the case to which he referred the employee was employed subsequent to Pakistan's leaving the Commonwealth? If he was an employee before it left, is not the Ministers' decision somewhat unfair?
§ Mr. MorrisAs I said, this case is at present the subject of consideration by the Home Secretary and the Home Office.