§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether Buddhists or Hindus are disqualified from serving on the staff of the Prime Minister. [HL947]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)No. It is Civil Service recruitment policy that all eligible people must have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of suitability for the work. The fundamental principle is that the selection for appointment is made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
Applicants for appointment to the Home Civil Service or the Diplomatic Service are not asked for details of their religion.