§ 44. Mr. HOGGEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the officials in his Department, who have had business experience in the export and import trades and who have studied trade conditions overseas, in the Dominions, and foreign countries, are members of the permanent Civil Service or ex-service men who have been brought in; if so, in what proportion; and whether in any contemplated reductions of staff the claims of ex-service men who have such knowledge will be specially considered?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME (Secretary, Department of Overseas Trade)Of the 48 market and trade officers, who have had business experience of import and export trade, 11 were members of the permanent Civil Service before their appointment to this grade, 12 were appointed to permanent posts from outside the Service, whilst 25 are temporary officers. Of this total of 48 officers, 30 have had service in the Army or Navy. As regards the market and trade officers and directing staff who have studied trade conditions overseas, 19 were employed as permanent Civil servants before their transfer to the Department, 10 now permanently 2308 employed had not been in the Civil Service before their appointment to the Department, whilst 33 are temporary officers. Of this total of 62 officers, 37 have had service in the Army and Navy. The hon. Member may rest assured that, in making reductions of staff, the fullest consideration will be given to those who have served in His Majesty's forces.