§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Minister for the Civil Service what study has been undertaken by his Department of the operation of the anti-discrimination branch of the Public Service Commission in Canada and any similar bodies elsewhere; what consideration he has given to the establishment of a tribunal within the Civil Service with comprehensive powers to investigate allegations of discrimination on the grounds of race, national origin, colour, sex, sexuality, religion, age, marital status, parental status, physical disability, criminal record or previous mental illness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisIdeas have been exchanged on anti-discrimination policies with the Public Service Commission in Canada in areas listed by my hon. Friend. The Civil Service is renowned for free and open competition in the selection of staff and equality of opportunity for those who are selected. I do not consider that a tribunal on the Canadian lines would be appropriate, as an applicant for a post or an existing civil servant who alleges discrimination has the same rights as any other subject under existing legislation or legislation before Parliament at present. In addition, any civil servant who is dissatisfied on a personal matter may appeal to the head of his Department. Any civil servant who considered that he or she had been subject to discrimination could exercise this right of appeal.