§ Sir P. RICHARDSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the promotion of consular officers in the Far East and Near East services is less rapid than that of officers in the general con- 1543W sular service; and whether the present practice can be modified so that officers in all branches of the service may have an equal chance of promotion?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELPromotion in the Near East consular service is not appreciably less rapid at present than in the general service. It must be remembered that promotion in any service is governed by a number of factors which vary from time to time, and are not within the control of the responsible Department. Thus, while during recent years promotion in the general service has been more rapid than in the Far East, it is almost certain that in a very few years' time the balance will be readjusted. The position as regards promotion in the Far East is now under careful consideration, and certain measures are in contemplation for securing improvement so far as may be possible.