HC Deb 24 January 1994 vol 236 cc88-9W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement regarding the use of psychometric testing in the civil service and United Kingdom businesses in the assessment of individual employee performance ability and the removal from employment.

Mr. Waldegrave

Following the delegation of responsibility for personal review and promotion to Departments and agencies, information is not held centrally on the use of psychometric testing in the civil service. Neither is information held on the use of psychometric tests in United Kingdom businesses. However, the Recruitment and Assessment Services agency acts on behalf of some Departments and agencies, and uses psychometric tests when appropriate. This is always done under the direction of a chartered psychologist and in conformity with the Institute of Personnel Management and the British Psychological Society guidelines.