HC Deb 14 December 1994 vol 251 cc708-9W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy towards those members of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who have now admitted their homosexuality but who were originally recruited when homosexuality was a bar to recruitment to his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

Each case is taken on its merits. No officers who have admitted their homosexuality subsequent to their recruitment have been required to leave the Department.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department operates a policy of non-discrimination against homosexuals in recruitment to all sections of his Department.

Mr. Baldry

Yes.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what questions pertinent to the homosexuality of potential recruits to his Department are still being asked during recruitment interviews; and to what purpose.

Mr. Baldry

No questions about a candidate's sexual orientation are asked at selection interviews as such. After a candidate has been recommended for a position in the diplomatic service, however, questions about sexual orientation are asked during the security vetting procedures. The purpose of these questions is to minimise an officer's vulnerability to blackmail, and so that a homosexual officer can be given suitable advice before bidding for postings for certain overseas countries where homosexual practices are illegal or socially unacceptable.