§ 38. Mr. KnapmanTo ask the Minister for the Civil Service what progress has been made with the European fast stream initiative to encourage civil servants to work in the European Community.
§ Mr. RentonThe European fast stream has attracted more than 4,000 applications this year. We have already allocated more than half the 30 places available.
§ Mr. KnapmanHow long will it be before these fast streamers are working in Brussels? Will they ensure that Britain's interests are even better represented in the European Commission?
§ Mr. RentonMy hon. Friend will be pleased to know that five European fast-streamers are already in post, that the first European fast-streamer was a woman and that 20 19 places are currently on offer. I intend to ensure that the under-representation of the British in European Community institutions is adjusted in our favour.
§ Dr. GodmanWill the Minister outline the criteria by which his civil servants are chosen to work in Brussels? For example, are they assessed on their views about the United Kingdom's role in the European Community?
§ Mr. RentonI shall gladly send the hon. Gentleman some of the documents that are issued to those who apply for such jobs. Those people undergo a thorough and detailed examination. He will be interested to know that on our new joint drive with the Commission, there were more than 12,0000 requests for application forms from graduates from all backgrounds in the United Kingdom. If the hon. Gentleman would like to receive more details about the examination I shall see that he gets them.