Written question asked by Steve Barclay (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 December 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 December 2011. It was answered by Lord Bellingham (Conservative) on Monday, 19 December 2011 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Diplomatic Service: Languages

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many heads of mission are serving in overseas postings; and how many have completed the extensive level language qualification which is linked to additional remuneration.

Answer: There are 142 bilateral heads of mission serving in overseas postings: 105 ambassadors and 37 high commissioners. Of the 142, 96 have been identified as having a language requirement and 72 have qualified in the necessary Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) language exams. Of the 72 bilateral heads of mission with exam records, 22 have passed the FCO Extensive exam, CEFR level C2, the most advanced level of fluency. All FCO officers serving overseas in speaker slots (Confidence, Operational or Extensive) are entitled to claim additional remuneration for the duration of their overseas posting, provided they have passed the appropriate examination.

Secondary information