§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to recruit members of ethnic minorities in top grades of employment at his Department.
§ Mr. MatesThe home civil service is fully committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all applicants, including any from ethnic minorities. The Northern Ireland Office is an equal opportunity employer and this is emphasised in all our recruiting campaigns and advertising. If direct recruitment for certain senior posts in the Northern Ireland Office were to be necessary, it would be conducted with guidance from the Civil Service Commission. The Northern Ireland civil service has not taken any specific action to recruit members of ethnic minorities in top grades of employment. All recruitment is on the basis of merit in fair and open competition.