HC Deb 26 January 1976 vol 904 cc45-6W
Mr. Tom King

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many commercial officers attached to posts overseas have previous commercial experience in industry.

Mr. Ennals

Since 1965, 16 officers entered the Diplomatic Service after previous commercial experience in industry, and 10 others have been attached to manufacturing companies; not all of these are currently engaged full-time on commercial work. 28 officers from the Department of Trade are at present seconded for commercial duties overseas.

It would be disproportionately expensive to check on all commercial officers but many were previously employed In commerce or industry.