asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what will happen to candidates who pass the first part of the examination envisaged in his proposals for the Reform of the Foreign Service but fail to qualify in the second part?

Candidates who fail to qualify at the second part of the examination will not become members of the Foreign Service. If still qualified as to age, they will be able to compete for the Home and Indian Civil Services. Those who are not so qualified or do not wish to compete will have had the advantage of 18 months' training abroad at the public expense, in seeking positions outside the public service.

As that may deter candidates from entering, would it not be better to admit them as members of the Home Civil Service as the result of the first part of the examination?

I do not think it would necessarily deter candidates from entering, and certainly we do not want to encourage into the Foreign Service particularly those who play for safety first.