HC Deb 30 March 1965 vol 709 cc1381-2
23. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether Her Majesty's Government has proposed that the Commonwealth Secretariat should be staffed by officials on secondment from Commonwealth countries, or by the establishment of an independent Commonwealth career service.

24. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether the Commonwealth Secretariat will be staffed from seconded officials from Commonwealth countries or from an independent career Commonwealth service.

Mr. Bottomley

The method of recruitment and the career structure of the Secretariat are subject to the recommendations in the Report of Commonwealth Officials which, as I informed the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 23rd March, is still under consideration by Commonwealth Governments. It would therefore be premature to reveal or comment upon the way in which the Secretariat will be staffed, though I may say that there has been no suggestion that an independent career service would be appropriate.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Will the Commonwealth Secretary ensure that these officials are recruited from as wide a field as possible in view of the importance of this service?

Mr. Bottomley

This is a matter for the Commonwealth Governments. The best personnel possible will be recruited.