asked the Secretary of State for Defence if outside advice was taken before the appointment of Director of Public Relations was made.

The decision was entirely mine. Before making it I took into consideration all relevant factors including Mr. Edward Pickering's report on the Defence Public Relations organisation.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware of the discontent of the professional Information Grade officers in this matter, and will he bear this in mind in making any future appointments to this post?

I am aware of the dissatisfaction, and I have already arranged for the Permanent Under-Secretary for the Defence Secretariat to meet I.P.C.S. representatives to discuss considerations which might govern future appointments.