§ 1. Mr. GRATTAN DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any steps are being taken to revise the system of appointments to the staffs of British Ambassadors, and Consul-Generalships abroad whereby fitness, knowledge of the language of the country to which such person is accredited, and special commercial and industrial knowledge will be regarded as essential; and whether it is contemplated making such selections from the ranks of qualified Labour representatives?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)The measures taken to modify the system of appointments to the Diplomatic, Commercial, and Consular Services have already been explained in the numerous replies which I have given in the House. Every consideration is given to the special qualifications required for certain posts. The qualifying examination is open and competitive, and the final selection rests with a Committee on which all interests, including Labour, are represented.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHThe hon. Gentleman asks whether it is contemplated making such selections from the ranks of qualified Labour representatives. These appointments are not made from any class in particular, but by way of competitive examination.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTHas there been an instruction to this Committee that no more appointments will be made in any case where the applicant is not British-born or the son of a British father?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHThis is the existing rule in the case of Diplomatic appointments and salaried Consular appointments.