Recruitment (Hansard, 3 November 1994)

§ Mr. Chris Smith
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if questions pertinent to the sexuality of potential recruits to his Department are still being asked during recruitment interviews.

§ Mr. Goodlad
Yes, in the case of recruits to the diplomatic service, so that homosexual officers maybe given suitable advice before bidding for postings to certain countries where homosexual practices might be illegal or socially unacceptable.
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§ Mr. Chris Smith
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 the Department.

§ Mr. Goodlad
Yes.

§ Mr. Chris Smith
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. Goodlad
Each case is taken on its merits. Officers who concealed during their vetting process the fact that they were homosexual have come forward without any resulting problems. The Department will continue to be as sympathetic as possible in the circumstances of any such cases in the future.