HC Deb 16 February 1978 vol 944 cc334-5W
Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there are any rules, regulations or customary practices currently in force to prevent or in any way inhibit the posting to foreign stations of those members of the Foreign Office staff who are of illegitimate birth.

Mr. Tomlinson

No.

Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there are any rules, regulations or customary practices currently in force which prevent or in any way limit the recruitment or promotion of persons of illegitimate birth to the most senior grades of the Foreign Service.

Mr. Tomlinson

No. The Civil Service Commission is responsible for regulations governing the selection of recruits to the Diplomatic Service, including nationality regulations. To be eligible for appointment candidates must meet certain conditions concerning their own nationality and the nationalities of their natural or adoptive parents. Where the identity of a parent is unknown, a candidate may still be eligible for appointment provided that he or she can satisfy the other aspects of the nationality regulations.

Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if investigations are made by his Department into the parentage of persons of illegitimate birth who are established members of the Foreign Office staff, or who are being considered as recruits to the Foreign Office staff.

Mr. Tomlinson

My right hon. Friend must be satisfied that candidates for posts in the Diplomatic Service are able to comply with the Civil Service Commission's regulations on nationality, including the nationality of their parents. Where the identity of a parent is unknown, a candidate may still be considered eligible for appointment provided that he or she can satisfy the other aspects of the nationality regulations.

Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of Her Majesty's ambassadors currently in post are of illegitimate birth.

Mr. Tomlinson

None to our knowledge, but illegitimacy as such is not recorded by the administration of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

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