HC Deb 16 June 1986 vol 99 cc755-6
67. Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will list the organisations, membership of which precludes employment either in the Civil Service as a whole or in particular posts.

Mr. Luce

No one is precluded from employment in the Civil Service because of membership of a particular organisation. However, no one may be employed on work vital to the security of the state who is or has recently been a member of a Communist or Fascist organisation or of a subversive group whose aims are to undermine or overthrow parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means.

Mr. Bruinvels

Recognising the loyalty to the Crown which is required of all members of the Civil Service, and paying tribute to the majority of them, does my hon. Friend think it proper that members or supporters of Militant should be allowed to be active supporters of the Civil and Public Services Association, such as the branch secretary, Tony Church, at Leicester's DHSS, and his chairman? Does my hon. Friend think that there is a conflict of interest when civil servants who claim loyalty to the Crown are involved in elections to an organisation about which Alistair Graham, the general secretary, has said, "Do not ever vote for Militant candidates"?

Mr. Luce

There are two points to consider in my hon. Friend's reflections. First, it is essential that, on security matters, we ensure that civil servants conform with the requirements that I set out in my answer. Secondly, in the pay and conditions of the service code, to which each civil servant has access, there is a requirement that he discharges his service and undertakes his duties loyally to the Government. That is another factor that must be borne in mind. We look to an impartial service. I believe that, in large measure, we have one.

Mr. Meadowcroft

Is the Minister not concerned at the increasing politicisation of the public service? Will he undertake to consider the conclusions of the Widdicornbe report, to be published shortly, to see whether they also apply to the Civil Service?

Mr. Luce

The hon. Gentleman may have noticed that the Select Committee on the Treasury and Civil Service recently reported on its study of the responsibilities of the Civil Service and Ministers. I noted in the report, to which the Government still have to reply, that the Select Committee came to a clear view, that it did not believe there was politicisation—to use an awful word— in the Civil Service. I welcome the fact that the Select Committee came to that view.