§ SIR G. KEKEWICH (Exeter)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the emoluments of the representatives of this country abroad are usually made up to a large extent of various allowances which are not taken into account for the purpose of the calculation of their pensions on retirement; and, if so, whether, as a result of such a system, a pension is often out of proportion to the total emoluments; and whether he can see his way to place the matter on a better footing.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYHis Majesty's representatives abroad receive pensions under the Diplomatic Pensions Act, 1869. Their salaries and allowances are assessed in proportion to the positions which they occupy at foreign capitals, but such emoluments cannot be taken as a basis for the calculation of pensions. The amount of their pensions is, therefore, regulated by the rank which they have held in the diplomatic service.