FOREIGN SERVICE (Hansard, 20 March 1963)

§ 19. Dr. A. Thompson
asked the Lord Privy Seal how many of the successful applicants for Branch A of the Foreign Service in the period 1952–62 were educated at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and at the remaining British universities, respectively; and what percentages these figures constitute in each case.

§ Mr. Godber
One hundred and ninety-five, that is, 94.2 per cent., of the successful applicants for Branch A of the Foreign Service by the normal Open Competitions in the period 1952–62 were educated at Oxford and Cambridge Universities; 11. that is, 5.3 per cent., at the remaining British universities.

§ Dr. Thompson
While in no way disparaging the very high quality of Oxford and Cambridge graduates, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he really thinks that a figure of 5 per cent. of applicants is drawing upon the reservoir of talent and ability in our English, Welsh and Scottish universities?

§ Mr. Godber
The Foreign Office is anxious to encourage recruitment from all these universities, and members of the personnel department make annual visits to all of them to explain what the Foreign Service does and what opportunities are open to graduates. I hope that we shall see an increase in these figures.

§ 20. Dr. A. Thompson
asked the Lord Privy Seal how many of the successful applicants for Branch A of the Foreign Service in the period 1952–62 were educated at independent public schools, direct grant schools and State schools, respectively; and what percentages these figures constitute in each case.

§ Mr. Godber
As stated in the first line of the table included in my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Gentleman on 18th March, 143, that is, 70 per cent., of the successful applicants for Branch A of the Foreign Service by the normal open competitions, were educated at independent public schools, 17, or 8 per cent., at direct grant schools, and 42, or 20 per cent., at State schools.

§ Dr. Thompson
Again, does the Minister of State think that one in five of successful applicants from our State schools is really representative of the number of boys attending these schools or is in line with the policy of other Government Departments? Will the hon. Gentlemen ensure that his careers officers get round to the State schools to explain and illustrate the benefits of a Foreign Office career?

§ Mr. Godber
I would point out that the trend in this matter is in favour of more coming from the direct grant and State schools. In 1960–62, 61 per cent. of successful applicants came from public schools and 39 per cent. from other schools. In 1962 itself less than 50 per cent. came from the public schools. I would point out that the basis of entry into the Foreign Service is that laid down by Mr. Ernest Bevin when he was Foreign Secretary.