HC Deb 25 April 1955 vol 540 cc29-30W
45. Wing Commander Hulbert

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what commercial training is given to new entrants in Her Majesty's Foreign Service.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Training is given to all Foreign Service officers who are posted to commercial work. This includes a period of instruction with the Board of Trade, a course organised jointly with commerce and industry to introduce officers to the work of British manufacturers, exporting firms, banks and insurance companies, and visits to trade associations and firms specially interested in the country to which the officer is being appointed.

It has not always been possible, because of shortage of staff, to give commercial training to all new entrants to the Foreign Service. It is proposed, however, this year and in future to enlarge the scope of such training.