§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Is it a fact that Mr. Bonham, Consul at Boulogne, was absent from May to December last year; what was the cause of his absence, and what duty, if any, at the Foreign Office was he employed about, and if he had received additional pay for so doing; did the Vice Consul, Captain Surplice, receive additional pay 16 during Mr. Bonham s absence; and, if the Vice Consul passed the usual examination on his present appointment?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)Mr. Bonham was absent for the period stated. He was on ordinary leave during May and June. During the remainder of the time he was continuously engaged on important special service in the Foreign Office, for which he received no additional pay. Captain Surplice, the Vice Consul, receives the usual acting allowance during the Consul's absence. Captain Surplice, being permitted to trade and being consequently not in the regular Consular Service, was, under the regulations, not required to pass an examination.