§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Minister for the Civil Service how many civil servants have now participated in the SPATS; what proposals he has to evaluate the scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonUp to the present time 72 civil servants from various specialisms have commenced training under the Senior Professional Administrative Training Scheme (SPATS), which gives those concerned an opportunity under controlled conditions to gain direct experience of administrative duties outside their usual field. None has yet completed the standard two-year period in an administrative post and it is too early to evaluate the scheme. First indications are that it can play a useful part in the236W career development of the people concerned, but that it may well be capable of improvement as we gain experience. I shall continue to take a keen interest in its progress.