Washington and New York Missions (Information Staff)

HC Deb 17 July 1978 vol 954 cc19-20W

Mr. Whitney

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the numbers of counsellors and first secretaries fully engaged in information work on the strength of the British missions in Washington and New York when the present ambassador took up his post; and what these numbers are expected to be on 1st October.

Mr. Tomlinson

When the present ambassador took up his post on 21st July 1977 the number of counsellors and first secretaries engaged full-time on information work was as follows:

	Washington	New York
Counsellors	1	1
First Secretaries	2	4

The level of our information staffing at major overseas posts, including Washington and New York, is currently being reviewed as part of the follow-up to the CPRS report on overseas representation. Until the Government are ready to announce their decisions on the report, my right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot give details of the number of counsellors and first secretaries who will be engaged on information work on 1st October.