§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many permanent positions in the Consular Service have been given since the War to ex-service men and how many to men who did not serve with the Forces of the Crown during the War; whether any and, if so, how many competent ex-service men available for permanent employment in that Service have been passed over; and for what reason were the applications of such ex-service men refused and preference given to non-service men?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMESince the War 68 ex-service men have been accepted for permanent service in the General Consular Service; and three who were interned throughout the War. The number of non-service men appointed was 27. No non-service man was appointed who had not very special qualifications; and I think that practically all who were of military age were men, whom the Foreign Office found it essential to retain at their posts abroad during the War.