HC Deb 23 July 1984 vol 64 cc712-3
48. Mr. Dubs

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will list the Management and Personnel Office's responsibilities for security in the Civil Service.

Mr. Hayhoe

As shown in its management document 1984–85, which was published on 15 June 1984, the Management and Personnel Office's responsibilities for security in the Civil Service are to formulate and monitor personnel and physical security policy.

Mr. Dubs

Is it unusual for persons appointed by the Civil Service Commission to be refused appointments by the Government Departments to which they have been allocated, presumably on the ground of their political views? I hasten to say that I am not talking about the Ministry of Defence, but about the Departments of the Environment and of Transport.

Mr. Hayhoe

I think I can answer that, in general terms, yes, it is unusual. I would be prepared to draw the attention of my appropriate right hon. Friend to any particular example that the hon. Gentleman cares to give to me.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

As the International Labour Organisation found that security was not an adequate ground upon which to exclude people from their rights to freedom of information, have the Government had any discussion with that organisation as to how they are to retain their membership of it while banning that right for the civil servants at GCHQ issue?

Mr. Hayhoe

As I thought the hon. Gentleman was well aware, matters concerning GCHQ are primarily for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Matters concerning the International Labour Organisation are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment. In any case, the GCHQ is now sub judice because it is before the Court of Appeal.

Mr. Tom Clarke

Is the Minister able to tell the House how many employees of the Management and Personnel Office attended comprehensive schools?

Mr. Hayhoe

With notice, I shall try to obtain that information from the Department's records.