HC Deb 25 January 1988 vol 126 c18
66. Mr. Chapman

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what initiatives he is taking to encourage part-time or short-term periods of secondment between the Civil Service and industry.

Mr. Luce

Part-time and short-term secondments can play an important part in interchange between the Civil Service and industrial organisations, as can full-time and longer secondments. As an aid to stimulating interchange generally, we published towards the end of last year a promotional leaflet, "The Ins and Outs of Civil Service Secondments", a copy of which has been placed in the Libraries of Parliament.

Mr. Chapman

I appreciate the increase in recent years, and I am aware of the practical difficulties, at least of longterm secondment, but will my right hon. Friend nevertheless agree that the prospect of short-term or part-time secondment—even if the short-term was only for three to six months — would be benefitial to industry and to the Civil Service? Will he consider particular schemes for short-term secondments?

Mr. Luce

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his continuing interest in this problem. In 1986 there was an increase of 22 per cent. over the previous year in inward and outward secondments, but I am now reviewing the overall targets for inward and outward secondment and I hope to be able to say something about that in a few weeks' time. I shall consider the point raised by my hon. Friend about short-term attachments. This is something at the senior levels of the service that we are seeking to increase.

Mr. Wells

Will my right hon. Friend consider what inducements and encouragements he can give to industrial candidates wishing to work in the Foreign Office? He will know that the Foreign Office is able to second its civil servants to industry, but industry cannot reverse the position. Therefore, some incentive is needed.

Mr. Luce

I shall consider that problem with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and draw his attention to it. Some exchange already lakes place both ways, but, without further notice, I should have to discuss the matter with my right hon. and learned Friend.