HL Deb 05 July 1994 vol 556 cc67-8WA
Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they now intend to insist that citizens of the European Union are to be hired in future by academic institutions in preference to all other candidates, including those from the Commonwealth, however well qualified;

Whether they consider citizenship to be more important than academic qualifications in the conduct of scientific research.

Lord Henley

Her Majesty's Government grant work permits to enable UK employers, including academic institutions, where it is necessary, to recruit highly skilled personnel from outside the European economic area. It does so for overseas nationals who have unique qualifications and experience or where there are no suitably qualified resident workers available. This consistent policy serves the best interests of both employers and resident workers, including those conducting academic research.