§ Mr. Deedesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what particular steps his Department is taking to assist those senior members of the Foreign Service who are being required to retire prematurely from the service to find suitable alternative employment.
§ Mr. MulleyThe Diplomatic Service has for some years made a practice of helping its retired members to find further employment if they desired it. Officers are already informed of opportunities and put in touch with prospective employers whenever possible. In appropriate cases assistance is also given by the Overseas Resettlement Bureau.
The existing arrangements were, however, felt to be inadequate to assist those senior members of the Service to whom 155W the hon. Member refers. Special arrangements have therefore been made to register requirements and to investigate any openings that are suggested by other Government Departments, private businesses and other institutions who may be in a position to offer opportunities of alternative employment to these able and experienced officers.