HL Deb 23 March 1998 vol 587 cc229-30WA
Lord Dholakia

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the approximate total number of accredited personnel currently employed in the diplomatic service overseas; and how many of these come from the ethnic minority communities. [HL1049]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

On 1 January 1998, the most recent date for which figures are available, there were 2,067 UK-based FCO staff with overseas postings. Of this number, 34 have declared themselves to be members of minority ethnic groups. FCO staff are not obliged to report their ethnic origins.