§ Lieutenant-Colonel BURGOYNEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in the oral examination of officers and ex-officers who have applied as candidates for the Foreign Consular Service under the recently issued regulations, many instances have occurred where the candidates have been examined for only a very few minutes, and in such interpolations as have been made to them no reference has been made to their knowledge of languages, nor have they been requested to state their experiences in travel in the countries to which possibly they might with value to the Empire have been accredited?
§ Mr. C. HARMSWORTHThe Civil Service Commission have kindly undertaken, at my request, to review the claims of candidates for the Consular Service. I understand that the average length of2286W interview in the case of these candidates is fifteen minutes. All candidates are questioned as to their knowledge of languages and residence abroad, and those who profess a knowledge of French, I German or Spanish, are put through an oral test in these languages. I should add that the interviews conducted by the Civil Service Commission are of a preliminary character, and that all candidates who appear to have qualifications which may render thorn suitable for appointment are submitted to a selection committee for further interview.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel BURGOYNEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the age limit for appointments under the new Regulations to the Consular Service is twenty-eight; whether this has been publicly announced; and whether he is aware that, although the ageof applicants is stated quite clearly upon the form of application, many of these officers have been called up for oral examination, and, after having their time wasted, and in some cases being made to travel considerable distances, have been informed that they are above the age limit?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHIt has not been thought advisable publicly to announce an age limit for entrance into the Consular Service, as exceptional cases must always arise. As a general rule the age limithas been fixed at thirty in the case of Vice-Consuls and forty-two in a few exceptional cases of candidates with considerable business experience suitable for appointment as substantive Consuls. I understand that no case has occurred where a candidate hasbeen interviewed and afterwards rejected solely on the ground of age, though in some cases age has been a factor in the decision arrived at.