HC Deb 16 June 1892 vol 5 cc1279-80
MR. LEGH (Lancashire, S.W., Newton)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that, upon the appointment of Sir H. Drummond Wolff to the Bucharest Legation, that post was converted into a first-class Mission, and the salary of the Minister raised from £2,500 to £3,500 in consideration of its increased rank and importance, whether he can state why, upon the promotion of Sir H. Wolff to another post, the salary of his successor was reduced by £1,000, the class of the Mission remaining unchanged?

MR. J. W. LOWTHER

The Legation in Roumania was raised to a first-class Mission, but the salary attaching to the post was not increased. The allowance to Sir H. Wolff was a personal one, and ceased upon his transfer to Madrid.

MR. LEGH

Is it thought desirable to continue the personal allowance on Sir H. Drummond Wolff proceeding to his present appointment?

MR. LOWTHER

No; the allowance ceased on his being sent to Madrid.

MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it is desirable that some memorandum or statement should be given, explaining the nature of the case and the reasons for departure from ordinary practice?

MR. LOWTHER

I think such a statement was made at the end of the Session by my right hon. Friend (Sir James Fergusson).