§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present strength of the Foreign Service; and what was the strength in 1955.
§ Mr. PadleyOn 1st April, 1955, the strength of the Foreign Service was 4,735. On 1st January, 1965, the Foreign Service amalgamated with the Commonwealth Service and the Trade Commission staff of the Board of Trade to form the Diplomatic Service. On 1st April this year the strength of the former Foreign Service element within the Diplomatic Service was 4,375 out of the total Diplomatic Service strength of 6,400.