§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why his Department stipulated in its advertisement for an experienced writer, in The Times of 22nd November, that applicants should be under the age of 50 years; and whether he will seek to recruit staff for such posts on the basis of merit rather than age.
§ Mr. MulleyThe Department advertised for candidates under 50 in order to complement available talent among their older staff. The prime consideration, however, in recruiting staff for this and other posts is always merit.