§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if applicants for(a) professional posts in the European Union Food and Veterinary Office and 87W (b) public service posts with the UK Government or its agencies are permitted to canvas in support of their applications. [88299]
§ Mr. RookerThe procedure for applications for professional posts in the European Union Food and Veterinary Office is a matter for the European Commission. In the UK, all appointments to posts in the Civil Service are legally subject to the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code which is designed to ensure fair and open competition, selection on merit, and equal opportunities.