asked the Minister of Aviation if he will make a statement on the requirements relating to the educational qualifications of applicants for posts in his Department, with particular reference to the distinction he makes between candidates who have passed the 0 level in Scotland and the General Certificate of Education examination in England to the detriment of the former.

Recruitment for the general service classes and Departmental grades in the Ministry of Aviation is generally carried out through the Civil Service Commission. Particulars of the educational qualifications required in each competition are given in the relevant competition regulations. I am satisfied that there is no discrimination between candidates who have passed the O level in Scotland and those who have passed the General Certificate of Education in England.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary remember the case of the educated young Scottish lady about whom I wrote to him recently, a person who was suitable in every way for a post in his Department but who was rejected? Does he deny that she was rejected because she was Scottish and not English, and will he give up this racial discrimination?

The is no racial discrimination in this, unless it be that the applicant had a number of 0 levels but did not have a pass in English, which she had to have.