§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what policy and vetting is adopted in respect of the employment of interpreters by the immigration service; how many there are; what languages are covered; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe recruitment of interpreters for permanent pensionable employment with the Home Office is conducted by the Civil Service Commission which runs an open competition when a vacancy arises. Currently the immigration service has eight such employees, who in the main, speak languages of the Indian sub-continent. In addition, casual, fee-paid interpreting services are used by the immigration service as required. Applicants for fee-paid work are interviewed and assessed for suitability by a chief immigration officer or more senior officer. Other checks may be made if necessary. An interpreter employed for the first time is required to give a written undertaking that he will translate faithfully and to the best of his ability. Interpreters are instructed to give a direct translation of questions put and answers given.