HC Deb 13 July 1965 vol 716 cc48-9W
Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what qualifications are required for temporary appointment to a position of third secretary with a British High Commission overseas; how many such appointments have been made this year; and why it is necessary to make them.

Mr. Bottomley

All-round qualities of character, personality and intelligence. There has been one temporary appointment as third secretary this year to a British High Commission, but temporary appointments have been made to the Diplomatic Service in other grades. It is, as I have said before, necessary to make such appointments because of the general and continuing shortage of manpower in the Diplomatic Service.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many of the 18 temporary appointments made in the last five years to serve in British High Commissions overseas in the rank of second or third secretary were the sons of manual workers; and how many had been educated at public grammar schools and subsequently at red brick universities.

Mr. Bottomley

At least two. There may be more since the professions of fathers deceased before their sons or daughters were appointed are not known. Eight officers were educated at grammer schools. Of these, two subsequently went to Cambridge and six went to no university at all.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many of the 18 temporary appointments made to British High Commissions overseas in the last five years to serve as second or third secretaries had failed the necessary Civil Service examinations; and whether, at the end of their term of appointment, they will be given the opportunity to take the examinations again.

Mr. Bottomley

Eleven failed the Civil Service examinations. All of them will have an opportunity to take the examination again provided they are eligible under the Civil Service Regulations.