HC Deb 03 August 1965 vol 717 c275W
55. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations under what circumstances appointments are made to the Diplomatic Service of persons who have failed to pass the appropriate Civil Service examinations; and how many such appointments have been made during the last 12 months.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Posts in the Diplomatic Service are filled from time to time by temporary officers because of the continuing manpower shortage. Candidates who have failed to pass Civil Service Competitions for established posts are still eligible for consideration for temporary appointments. As my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 29th June, during the last 12 months one candidate was appointed who had previously failed the entrance examinations for established employment in the career service. During this period one similar appointment was also made in the Information class of the former Commonwealth Service.