§ MR. LEVESON-GOWER (Stoke-upon-Trent)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether political economy has been struck out of the compulsory subjects for examination for the Foreign Office or Diplomatic Service; and, if so, whether he can state for what reasons this has been done?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONThere will in future be one examination qualifying for both Services. Political economy is omitted from the examination. The Secretary of State considers that the subject is not one that affords a good test for a competitive examination, and that the amount of knowledge which would be acquired for the purposes of competition would be of little value in 54 the future career of the candidates. Other subjects have been added to the examination which are considered to be of more value.
§ MR. LEVESON-GOWERIn consequence of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, I beg to give notice that I will take an early opportunity of calling attention to the subject.
§ SIR G. CAMPBELLMay I ask whether, apart from competitive examinations, it would not be possible to require some knowledge of political economy in these Services?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONNo, Sir. The Secretary of State is of opinion that the examinations may be more usefully devoted to other subjects.