HC Deb 24 February 1936 vol 309 c11
19. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the practice of his Department to ascertain at what school recruits to the staff of the Department were educated; and, if so, which are the first four schools, according to the numbers recruited, from which additions to the staff have been made in the last four years?

Mr. EDEN

Information regarding the schools at which candidates for the administrative class of the Civil Service (including recruits to the Foreign Office and Diplomatic and Consular Services) have been educated is furnished to the Civil Service Commission by the candidates. As regards the Foreign Office and Diplomatic and Consular Services, the particulars desired by the hon. Member are as follow:

  1. 1. Eton
  2. 2. Rugby.
  3. 3. Winchester.
  4. 4. Marlborough and Repton.

Mr. THURTLE

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Foreign Office might improve the intellectual standard of its staff if it were to extend its recruitment over a wider area than these rather exclusive educational establishments?

Mr. EDEN

The recruitment is over the widest area. The question is who gets into the net.

Mr. HARDIE

Is not the basis of recruitment the particular colour of the tie worn?