HC Deb 24 July 1969 vol 787 cc465-6W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to provide more training for members of the Diplomatic Service in understanding European institutions and Soviet Communism as recommended in paragraph 25, Chapter 2 of Command Paper No. 4107.

Mr. Mulley

In the statement which he made to the House on the Report of the Review Committee on Overseas Representation on 16th July, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs said that he had initiated studies and consultation on the report. Decisions will be taken when these studies have been completed.

Some training in the subjects to which the hon. Member refers is already given to members of the Diplomatic Service. We were already considering ways in which more training could be given before the Review Committee's Report was published.—[Vol. 787, c. 611–2.]

Mr. Eldon Griffiiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will issue instructions for the monthly accounts of diplomatic missions abroad to cease to be checked by both the Head of Chancery and by the Head of the Mission in addition to the Administrative Officer and the Finance Department in Whitehall.

Mr. Mulley

We agree with the Duncan Commitee about the general desirability of further rationalisation and modernisation of accounts work, bearing in mind the need to ensure proper control over public money. Useful progress to this end has already been made through mechanisation and improved procedures. Further steps are under consideration as part of the studies and consultations to which my right hon. Friend referred in his statement on 16th July.—[Vol. 787, c. 611–2.]

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now withdraw the Diplomatic Service circular of 1967 which is criticised in paragraph 12 of Chapter 3 of Command Paper No. 4107 as epitomising wrong approach.

Mr. Mulley

The policy on journeys on the public service by members of the Diplomatic Service and by seconded officers referred to in the Diplomatic Service circular of 1967 is among the matters under consideration as part of our studies of the recommendations of the Review Committee.—[Vol. 787, c. 611–7.]