§ Sir Robert SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland for what purposes his Department and its executive agencies require a birth certificate to be furnished by (i) employees, (ii) contractors, (iii) those applying for employment or contracts and (iv) other persons. [79557]
§ Mr. DewarMy Department and its agencies require to see birth certificates of prospective employees only, to ensure that they meet the Nationality requirements for appointment to the Home Civil Service and for salary and pension purposes. There are no requirements to see birth certificates for contractors.
For other persons, my Department does not require to see birth certificates. However, certain agencies require a birth certificate where the functions for which they are responsible make that necessary. The Scottish Office Pensions Agency requires to see birth certificates of members of the pension schemes it operates. The Student Awards Agency for Scotland needs sight of birth certificates for students who claim dependants allowances.