Civil Employment under the Crown

HL Deb 07 November 2001 vol 628 cc29-30WA

Lord Ouseley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they intend to take to remove general restrictions as to nationality which apply to civil employment under the crown. [HL1008]

The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)

The Government are keen to open up civil employment under the crown regardless of nationality, while reserving the right, enjoyed by all EC member states, to reserve posts for their own nationals where strictly necessary. Although it has not been possible to secure a slot in the legislative programme to address civil employment under the crown generally, the Police Bill contains a provision which will enable a person of any nationality who is living in the UK free of conditions and who meets the required standards to be appointed to the office of constable.