§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase the number of(a) generalist, (b) specialist, (c) lawyers and (d) economist British recruits to the European civil service.
§ Mr. MaudeWhile appointments are a matter for the EC institutions themselves, we are working with the European Commission to improve the recruitment of British nationals throughout the range of disciplines, and particularly as generalists. We and the Commission have404W recently agreed a package of measures aimed at increasing recruitment of United Kingdom nationals. These include regular recruitment competitions for generalists in addition to those for lawyers and economists, the bringing forward of more United Kingdom nationals from the reserve list of those successful in competitions, and improved publicity.
For our part we are taking action to increase the number of United Kingdom candidates applying for employment in the institutions. A European stream within administrative grade recruitment to the civil service will be created, increased funding provided for secondments to the EC institutions and a central unit established within the Cabinet Office to co—ordinate the British recruitment effort.