HC Deb 14 June 1883 vol 280 cc542-3
MR. W. H. SMITH

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, seeing that the sum of £2,500 is set out in the Estimates as the salary of the Consul General in Egypt, it is the intention of the Treasury to authorize a higher payment to an officer holding that position without submitting a Supplementary Estimate to Parliament?

MR. ONSLOW

also asked, Whether the remuneration to be given to Major Baring, on account of his transfer from India to Egypt, is to be a charge on the Imperial or Indian Exchequer; what is the amount of the proposed remuneration; and, whether a Vote on this account is to be asked for?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

It is intended to propose that the salary of the Consul General in Egypt shall be £4,000 a-year; and a personal allowance will be granted to Major Baring, not to be continued to his successor. The amount of this allowance has not been settled; but neither it nor any part of the salary will be a charge on the Indian Exchequer. I do not find that it has been usual to propose a Supplementary Estimate in respect of the increase of an individual salary, after the Vote has passed, if the aggregate Vote is not exceeded; but, however that may be, in this case the Vote has not passed, and an amended Estimate will be laid on the Table, showing the new salary and personal allowance, on which any Amendment may be proposed.

MR. ONSLOW

I presume the allowance is to be made to Major Baring because of the differences of the salary of the office he holds now to that which he will receive as Consul General?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

That question will be raised on the Vote when it is proposed.

MR. CARBUTT

What is Major Baring's salary now?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

Speaking from memory, the salary of the Member of the Council of India who has control of the Treasury Department is 6,600 rupees a-month. The equivalent of that in our money depends on the rate of exchange.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

I presume the right hon. Gentleman will give ample Notice before the Vote is taken.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

Certainly; ample Notice will be given.