HL Deb 19 November 1996 vol 575 c129WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer given by Baroness Chalker of Wallasey on 7th November 1996 (WA 74), whether they will amend the rules governing people employed by the Overseas Development Administration in overseas posts as Crown Servants so as to enable Commonwealth citizens with an established right of abode and the right to work in the United Kingdom to become eligible for such employment.

Lord Chesham

No.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Answer given by Baroness Chalker of Wallasey on 7th November 1996 (WA 74), whether there is any reason in principle, given the particular needs of the post of Forest Resources Management Adviser on contract to Her Majesty's Government in service in Guyana, to exclude applicants who are Commonwealth citizens without an established right of abode and right to work in the United Kingdom.

Lord Chesham

We find that the present eligibility criteria are sufficiently widely drawn to attract candidates with the appropriate qualifications and experience. On the very rare occasions where suitable candidates have not been identified through our normal processes we have exceptionally appointed people who do not satisfy our normal criteria.