HC Deb 15 February 1984 vol 54 cc193-4W
Mr. Barnett

asked the Prime Minister whether the positive vetting procedures for civil servants above principal level include the asking of questions about an individual's attitude to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the current Government's policies on nuclear weapons, and his or her political views.

The Prime Minister

The purpose of positive vetting at all levels is to assemble sufficient information to enable

Aid and trade provision (ATP) disbursements December 1983 and January 1984
Recipient country Project Principal contractor Amount

£

1. Brazil Sudepe fisheries project Anglo-Dansk Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. 65
2. Egypt Switchgear GEC 9,970
3. Egypt West Sebaeya fertiliser plant Seltrust Engineering 4,328
4. India Rihand power station Northern Engineering Industries 1,336,165
5. Kenya Tugs for Mombasa port BS Ferguson Ailsa 153,100
6. Madagascar Aircraft maintenance British Aerospace 15,000
7. Mexico Maritime training College of Nautical studies 6,000
8. Mozambique Bus maintenance British Leyland 72,047
9. Paraguay Power transmission scheme Balfour Beatty 55,660
10. Philippines Rural electrification Balfour Beatty 468

a judgment to be made as to an individual's fitness to be entrusted with highly classified information. Investigating officers are not required to inquire into an individual's political views other than to confirm such fitness. Information about vetting procedures was published in the first special report from the Defence Committee on positive vetting procedures in Her Majesty's services and the Ministry of Defence printed on 12 May 1983.