HC Deb 06 July 1965 vol 715 cc202-3W
Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps he intends to take to improve the quality of personnel serving with British High Commissions overseas.

Mr. Bottomley

The administration of the Diplomatic Service, which is responsible for staffing British High Commissions, makes constant efforts to maintain and improve standards by recruitment, training, promotion policy and general administration. I have been much impressed on my visits abroad by the high standards of the staff of British High Commissions.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will name the schools attended by the 18 temporary appointments made in the last five years to British High Commissions overseas in rank of second or third secretary.

Mr. Bottomley

The following is a list of schools attended by officers appointed temporarily in the last five years in the rank of second or third Secretary at British High Commissions overseas:

  • Portora Royal School, Northern Ireland.
  • King Edward VII School, Lytham.
  • City of London School.
  • Cranbrook, Kent.
  • St. Edward's, Oxford.
  • Hove and Aldrington High School.
  • Morrison's Academy, Crieff.
  • St. Francis Xavier's College.
  • Regent Street Polytechnic.
  • St. Aidan's High School, London.
  • Queenswood, Hatfield, Herts.
  • Keighley Boys' Grammar School.
  • Lawrence Memorial School.
  • Queen Elizabeth's Hospital, Bristol.
  • Oundle, Northamptonshire.
  • Shrewsbury.
  • The Grammar School, Enfield.
  • Sheffield Central.