HL Deb 27 May 1999 vol 601 cc114-5WA
The Earl of Carlisle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What percentage of Foreign and Commonwealth Office personnel, in senior and middle management as at 1 May 1997 and 1 May 1999 are (a) women; (b) from minority ethnic groups; and (c) disabled. [HL2535]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

As of the 1 May 1997 the percentages of personnel in senior and middle management were as follows:

  1. (a) Women 17.40 per cent.
  2. (b) Minority Ethnic Groups 1.1 per cent.
  3. (c) Disabled 2.0 per cent.

As of the 1 May 1999 the percentages of personnel in senior and middle management were as follows:

  1. (a) Women 20.60 per cent.
  2. (b) Minority Ethnic Groups 1.30 per cent.
  3. (c) Disabled 1.80 per cent.

The Earl of Carlisle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many personnel have been seconded and recruited into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office other than those entering the diplomatic service from schools or university over the past two years; and whether they intend to accelerate this process. [HL2536]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recruited 444 personnel between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 1998. We are unable to give a breakdown of those candidates who entered direct from schools or universities. However the table below shows a breakdown of new entrants by age between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 1998. 285 personnel were seconded to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office over the same period of time. It is not possible to give an age breakdown for these officers.

Number of personnel recruited
Age group Number
16–22 years 55
23–29 years 179
30–39 years 116
40–49 years 58
50–55 years 23
55–60 years 13
Total 444