Trade Attachés (Hansard, 20 March 2000)

§ Mr. Stunell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the(a) job description and (b) person specification for trade attachés appointed to British embassies. [115363]

§ Mr. Battle
Each commercial job overseas requires a combination of skills and attributes relevant to the specific post. Since these jobs can differ in certain respects, reflecting the particular requirements of a market, there is no standard job description covering all such posts. As a general guide, duties for a substantive First Secretary 409W Commercial post involve management of our commercial operation and staff; provision and analysis of local market research; local contact building; advising British business visitors; coordinating arrangements for trade missions and other visitors (including ministerial and VIP visits); responsibility for specific market sectors; research and provision of commercial input into economic reporting; and implementation of initiatives agreed with British Trade International headquarters.
A typical job specification would highlight the need for the person taking up the post to have effective interpersonal, management and communication skills with knowledge of the business world. A comprehensive training and briefing programme is provided prior to any posting.

§ Mr. Stunell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the trade attachés recruited from the private sector and currently serving in British embassies, with their date of appointment and special areas of expertise in each case. [115364]

§ Mr. Battle
I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the question raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Simpson), on 15 March 2000,Official Report, column 223W.

§ Mr. Stunell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria are used for the appointment of specialist trade attachés to British embassies; and if he will make a statement. [115365]

§ Mr. Battle
Decisions on all commercial appointments are made by FCO Selection Boards. Candidates are considered on the basis of their suitability in terms of the competences, skills and experience required for each post.