HC Deb 05 November 2001 vol 374 c1W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to appoint the first(a) black and (b) Asian ambassador. [11431]

Mr. Bradshaw

The first minority ethnic ambassador was appointed in 1993. Mr. Noel Jones served as ambassador to Kazakhstan from 1993 to 1995.

The Diplomatic Service is committed to reflecting the modern face of Britain and to attracting talent from all ethnic groups. To this end, we are continually working to encourage minority ethnic people to apply to join the service.