§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, how many persons currently work in the research Library of the House of Commons; of these how many are(a) British citizens, (b) citizens of other EC countries and (c) citizens of Commonwealth countries; and if he will make a statement on the policy of the Commission in making appointments to such posts.
§ Mr. BeithThere are 55 staff employed in the research division of the House of Commons Library. All are of British nationality.
Prior to 21 May 1991, in order to be eligible for appointment to the civil service and, in accordance with the provisions of the Race Relations (Prescribed Public Bodies) (Amendment) Regulations 1985, to the House of Commons Service, candidates had to be British citizens, Commonwealth citizens or citizens of the Republic of Ireland. The European Communities (Employment in the Civil Service) Order 1991, which took effect on 21 May 1991, allows nationals of other member states of the European Communities and certain members of their families to be employed in the civil service other than in the "public service" within the meaning of article 48(4) of the treaty of Rome.
By statute, conditions of service of staff of the House have to be kept broadly in line with those in the home civil service. Consequently, the Commission is considering the implications of the Order in Council for its own recruitment policy; and a survey of posts is being conducted to determine which may be classified as "public service" within the meaning of article 48(4) of the treaty of Rome.