§ Mr. John Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment for which countries his Department has provided labour attachés ; in which countries they are to be withdrawn or not replaced by officials of his Department on their retirement; and where additional appointments are to be made.
§ Mr. Jim LesterMy Department has provided officials, on loan to the Diplomatic Service, for the following labour attaché posts
Germany (also covers Austria)Belgium (also covers Luxembourg and Netherlands)PortugalFranceTrinidad (also covers Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, West Indies Associated States)ItalySweden (also covers Denmark and Norway) USAThe post in South Africa is filled by a member of the Diplomatic Service and the posts in Greece and Spain are currently vacant, following retirements. In consultation with my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, careful consideration is being given to the retention or otherwise of these posts, but no firm decisions have yet been reached. There are no plans for additional posts.