§ MR. HORNIMAN (Chelsea)To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether candidates for appointments in the Foreign Office are no longer required nor permitted to be examined in geography as one of the examination subjects; and, if so, what, if any, reason there is for this change.
§ (Answered, by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) It was decided in 1905, after careful consideration, to assimilate the examination for the Foreign Office and the Diplomatic Service with the examination for the Home and Indian Civil Services, Class 1. This examination is framed in such a manner as to conform with university requirements and to attract candidates from the large universities. It is desirable to adhere as closely as possible to the syllabus which has been adopted for Class 1. I understand that it is contemplated to introduce geography at no distant date into the syllabus for Class I., and I shall welcome such a solution.