65. Major THOMASasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how applicants for the posts of commercial councillors, secretaries, and trade commissioners are selected; and whether all applicants must have commercial qualifications other than a knowledge of commercial law?
§ Mr. GILLETTOn the occasion when the Commercial Diplomatic and Trade Commissioner Services were inaugurated, and also in all cases of any considerable subsequent expansion, the appointments to the services have been made on the recommendations made by special selection boards composed of Government servants and representative business men. Other vacancies are filled depart-1908 mentally. In addition to a knowledge of foreign languages where this is appropriate, all candidates are expected to possess some commercial experience which would fit them for these appointments, whether such experience is acquired in the course of their profession or in Government service.
§ Mr. HANNONCan the hon. Member indicate how these special selection boards are constituted? Are the people who constitute them competent to exercise the duties of selection?
§ Mr. GILLETTI only know of one board so constituted and in that case half are representatives of the Civil Service and half are business men, selected by myself.
§ Mr. HANNONWho nominates the board? Does the hon. Member nominate the board?
§ Mr. GILLETTI forget at the moment whether actually I made the nominations, or whether a former Secretary of the Overseas Trade Department suggested the names.