§ 28. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many additional students from Scottish Universities have entered the Foreign Service since May, 1947; and whether he is satisfied that the method of examination is such as to encourage Scottish students to compete for this Service.
Mr. McNeilFive additional students from Scottish Universities have been successful in the Reconstruction Examinations for the Foreign Service since May, 1947. The complete figures up to date are six new recruits from Scottish Universities out of a total of 154.
My right hon. Friend is satisfied that there is no bias in the present system of entry against students from Scottish Universities. I might mention that the vice-chairman of the Board at the country house tests for a large part of the Reconstruction period was an Aberdonian, two out of three psychologists are graduates of Scottish Universities while the third is Scottish by birth. The Foreign Service representative on the Final Selection Board is a Scot and one permanent member of that Board has worked for three years at Edinburgh University. Representatives of Scottish Universities have attended both the country house tests and the Final Selection Board meetings as observers and have been favourably impressed by the fairness of the whole procedure.
I am glad to say, in addition, that the Civil Service Commissioners, in association with the Foreign Office, are arranging a series of visits to Universities, including the Scottish Universities, with a view to explaining to undergraduates the methods of entry into and conditions of service in the Foreign Service. I trust that this will induce more Scottish University students to compete.
§ Mr. RankinIs my right hon. Friend aware that the improvement in the percentage, even though it is still considerably below the Goschen formula, will be welcomed by interested opinion in Scotland; and could he indicate when he thinks that these visits to the Universities will begin, and of what nature they will be?
Mr. McNeilThe preliminary work has already been completed. I should imagine 18 that the form the visits will take will be something largely arranged by the University authorities.
§ Mr. EdenIn view of the results, which must be gratifying to the right hon. Gentleman, as they are to me, is it not rather a pity that anybody should now suggest that these Universities should be deprived of representation in this House?