§ 27 Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what are the present arrangements for training candidates for the position of trade commissioners; and whether arrangements can be made to appoint young men as apprentices to the existing trade commissioners, so as to ensure that in future years there will be an adequate supply of candidates for such positions with experience of the necessary work?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)I have been asked to reply. It is now the accepted practice when appointing assistants to trade commissioners to select young men with experience of the Department's work at headquarters who appear likely, after experience overseas, to qualify for promotion to the higher posts in the Trade Commissioner Service. My hon. and gallant Friend will see, therefore, that the suggestion in the second part of the question is already in operation.