§ 40. Mr. John E. Haireasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the Foreign Service is still under-staffed; and whether recruitment since the end of the war has been successful, both in quantity and quality.
Mr. McNeilRecruitment to the senior branch of the Foreign Service has proved very successful since its resumption after the war, both as regards numbers and quality. As a result, this branch of the Service is now almost up to full strength though it is still suffering from a lack of trained juniors due to the interruption of recruitment during the war years. Branch B of the Foreign Service, which includes executive and clerical staff at home and abroad, is still in process of formation and a considerable proportion of the posts in this branch is still filled by temporary officials. Recruitment is proceeding somewhat slowly. Branch C (typists and shorthand typists) and Branch D (Chancery servants and guards) are still in process of organisation.
§ Mr. HaireIs my right hon Friend aware that certain Legations abroad are still without Press and Labour Attaches, and will he say whether suitable candidates are now coming forward for these appointments?
Mr. McNeilThere is, in agreement with the Ministry of Labour, a reasonable flow of suitable people for the post of Labour Attaché. I have not, I must admit, examined the position in regard to Press Attaches, but I will be glad to do so.
§ Mr. RankinIs my right hon. Friend quite satisfied that the inducements offered, especially from the salary point of view, are such as would attract candidates to enter into the Foreign Service?
§ Mr. MikardoWith regard to Labour Attachés, does not my right hon. Friend realize that it would be much easier to 19 recruit them if a larger proportion of those recruited were people with a practical trade union background?
§ Mr. DraysonIn regard to Labour Attaches, would the Minister agree that the "food snoopers" would be a suitable source from which to recruit them?