HL Deb 01 November 1999 vol 606 c67WA
Lord Craigmyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many people are recruited from the local populace in Pakistan to help staff the British consulates there; and what their jobs are within the consulate. [HL4067]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

There are a total of 315 Locally Engaged staff employed in our diplomatic posts in Pakistan. Their jobs range from drivers, cleaners and messengers to commercial officers and IT systems administrators. Some 150 casual staff are also employed on a daily basis to undertake skilled and unskilled labouring work.

Lord Craigmyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportion of staff in British consulates in Pakistan come from Pakistan's religious minority groups; and what their jobs are within the consulate. [HL4068]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

We employ a total of 315 permanent staff at three posts in Pakistan. Our records show that 96 are Christian, about 30 per cent of the total. The employees concerned occupy a range of jobs in management, consular, immigration and commercial sections in those posts. We are not aware of any other minority religious groups being represented amongst the employees.