§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards the recruitment of British subjects of ethnic minority origin with a view to their serving in his Department's divisions or areas covering the needs of people from their area of origin; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonIt is the Government's policy that all persons who are eligible under the nationality rules—which, broadly speaking, admit all British and Commonwealth citizens—shall have equal opportunities for employment in the Civil Service on the basis of their ability and qualifications and fitness for the work. In general, individals are recruited on the basis of their suitability for the range of duties appropriate to a grade rather than for specific posts or types of work.