HC Deb 02 November 1987 vol 121 cc540-1W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom-based under-secretaries of state there are in his Department; of what age and length of service; and if he will list their responsibilities.

Mrs. Chalker

In the diplomatic wing, in addition to the permanent under-secretary and deputy permanent under-secretary, there are 19 United Kingdom-based under-secretaries currently working in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Their responsibilities, age and length of service are as follows:

Responsibilities Age Length of Service
Deputy Under Secretaries
The Americas, Caribbean and Far East 53 17
The Commonwealth, Africa and the Middle East 52 27
Defence, Arms Control, Nuclear matters, Security, Ireland 51 25
Trade, Energy, Science, Transport, European Community 55 32
Chief Clerk (Administration of the Diplomatic Service) 58 33
Assistant Under Secretaries of Slate (AUSS)
Africa and Commonwealth Coordination 49 22
Europe 53 32
Far East, South Asia, Pacific 53 29
Latin America, Caribbean and Atlantic 53 26
Middle East, North Africa 50 26
Defence, Arms Control, Nuclear (non-proliferation) 49 25
Energy Science, Transport, United Nations, Narcotics Control 53 28
European Community 45 21
Public Departments (Consular Visa, Nationality etc) 54 32
Trade Relations 53 28
Deputy Chief Clerk and Chief Inspector 49 24
Finance, Audit, Office Services, Overseas Estate 50 27
Protocol, Vice Marshall of the Diplomatic Corps 53 29
Communications 56 34

In the aid wing, in addition to the permanent secretary and deputy secretary, there are seven United Kingdom-based under-secretaries of state as follows:

Responsibilities Age Length of Service
Africa 50 24
Asia 54 20
Economist 57 21
Establishments and Overseas Manpower 44 22
Finance 43 20
Internal Division 57 35
Natural Resources 45 7