§ 20. Mr. Russellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the former Head of the European Group of the London Press Services of the Overseas Press Services of the Central Office of Information has been replaced by an information officer who has had no newspaper or news agency experience in a journalistic capacity.
Mr. AmoryThis transfer of staff was made three months ago as part of a reorganisation and improvement of the Overseas Press Services.
§ Mr. RussellDoes my right hon. Friend think it is an improvement to replace somebody who has had journalistic experience in a post like this by somebody who has not? Is it not desirable that a post like the one in question, which has contact with the Press, should be filled by someone who has had personal experience?
Mr. AmoryI do not think the facts are as stated by my hon. Friend. The present officer is an established officer who has had ten years' journalistic experience in the Civil Service and has actually worked in the London Press Service for thirteen years. It seems to me that she is fully qualified for the work which she is doing at present.