HL Deb 10 February 2003 vol 644 cc98-9WA
Lord Rogan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 14 January (WA 27), whether they will define the differences between the Home 01,11 Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code and the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code. [HL1208]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Both the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commissioners in respect of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Civil Service Commissioners in respect of the Home Civil Service are required by their respective Orders in Council to uphold the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. In further meeting the requirements of the Orders in Council, their respective recruitment codes are concerned both with the interpretation and application of that principle and also the limited range of circumstances where the commissioners permit exceptions to the recruitment principle.

The detailed contents of the recruitment codes are a matter for the commissioners. I understand, however, that the differences in format and processes between the two codes (which are available on the commissioners websites at www.nicscommissioners.org and www.civilservicecommissioners.gov.uk) are a result of the different scales of operation covered by the two commissioner bodies.

Lord Rogan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 12 December 2002 (WA 48), what are the local arrangements for security vetting of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. [HL1209]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The focus of national security vetting arrangements for members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service has always been particular to the circumstances of Northern Ireland. These arrangements have accordingly differed from those in place in respect of the Home Civil Service and may not have been, for example, as thorough regarding threats to national security unrelated to Irish terrorism. The review announced by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 12 December will consider whether changes are now needed to the Northern Ireland Civil Service arrangements to take account of changed circumstances.