HC Deb 03 July 1978 vol 953 cc21-2W
Mr. Madden

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what inquiries are made into the business activities and interests of those who apply for appointment to the Civil Service prior to their appointment; and if these procedures have been in force since February 1975.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

In any competition for permanent appointment to the Civil Service, the Civil Service Commissioners ask every candidate to give full details of his career history. Where appropriate, they also seek references from current and previous employers, and from personal nominees of the candidate. Unless their attention were to be specifically drawn to a candidate's business activities or interests, however, they would not normally investigate in detail the personal circumstances of that applicant.

These procedures have been in force for a number of years.