asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what facilities exist for the technical training of information officers in Commonwealth and foreign countries.

The Central Office of Information has held courses for information officers of the Foreign Service and Commonwealth Relations Service since January, 1961. These courses include technical training in all information media and outlets currently used by our overseas missions.

I am grateful for that reply, but will the Minister bear in mind that what the Plowden Committee recommended was that all information officers in future shall be career diplomats, and that this involves an extension of the training of such people?

I recognise that that Plow-den recommendation will almost certainly increase the need for training, but since 1961 all new information officers have been given training before going to posts. I agree that the need may well increase.