§ Mr. Freesonasked the Minister for the Civil Service (1) if any political criteria are used in formulating shortlists of applicants for Civil Service posts;
31W(2) of what organisations membership is considered to make applicants applying for Civil Service posts unsuitable for shortlisting and appointment;
(3) if any kind of political blacklist is used in formulating shortlists of applicants for Civil Service posts.
§ Mr. HayhoeI can assure the right hon. Member that political affiliation plays no part in the selection of candidates for Civil Service posts. No blacklist or political criteria are used in shortlisting applicants and membership of no organisation would exclude an applicant from consideration.