HC Deb 12 May 1998 vol 312 cc110-1W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the secondment of individuals from private companies to his Department. [41068]

Mr. Fatchett

This Department has had a long-standing programme of interchange with business. We aim to build on this. Last July, we announced a new programme of short-term business attachments to our missions overseas of business people to work on specific projects. The 14 recruited so far have added their expertise to our commercial effort. We also open some longer-term positions within this Department, at home and overseas, to business people. In addition, we second FCO staff to companies so that they can gain first-hand business experience.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role individuals on secondment from private companies to his Department have in advising Ministers; and what access such individuals have to Ministers on issues concerning their company. [41072]

Mr. Fatchett

Secondees contribute towards the work of departments and posts and are managed by civil servants. To avoid conflict of interest, individuals do not have access to Ministers on issues directly concerning their company. Steps are put in place to ensure no conflict of interest.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many individuals are currently on secondment from private companies to his Department; and if he will list them, indicating their responsibilities. [41073]

Mr. Fatchett

We currently have 21 staff seconded from private companies, including 10 secondees under the Business Attachment Scheme. Details are shown.

Name Company Post/department Job
L. Clarke NatWest Kuala Lumpur Commercial Adviser
R. Pitfield Taylor Woodrow New York Commercial Adviser
R. Soderstrom Coopers & Lybrand Bangkok Commercial Adviser
D. Healey ADH Inc. Export Consultants Istanbul Commercial Adviser