§ MR. SHAW LEFEVRE (Bradford, Central)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs out of what fund and on what authority the additional £ 1,000 was paid to Sir H. Drummond Wolff when acting as Minister in Roumania, when Parliament had already voted the usual salary appropriated to that appointment; and whether it is competent to the Secretary of State to increase the salaries or emoluments of such officers without the vote of Parliament? In putting this question I may be permitted to say in explanation that on the 31st July last a question 1461 was raised as to the salary of Sir H. Drummond Wolff, and the then Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs said it would be necessary to submit a Supplementary Estimate, to which I gave notice of opposition.
*MR. J. W. LOWTHERThe allowance to Sir H. D. Wolff was granted with the sanction of the Treasury, and was charged to the subhead "Salaries" of the Diplomatic Vote. As was explained by the Postmaster General on 1st August, 1891, it was unnecessary to ask for a Supplementary Vote, owing to there being an excess under another head. As the allowance had ceased before this year's Estimates were prepared, the charge does not appear in them. It will appear in the Appropriation Accounts for 1891–2.
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREOn the 31st duly the then Under Secretary informed the House that it would be necessary to take a Supplementary Estimate.
*MR. LOWTHERYes; but if the right hon. Gentleman will look at the Report for 1st August he will find the statement to which I have referred.