HC Deb 30 December 1912 vol 46 cc24-5
43. Earl WINTERTON

asked the number of officials in the Dominions Department of the Colonial Office; and what number of rooms is allocated to their use?

Mr. HARCOURT

The number of officials in the Dominions Division is eight, and in the Dominions sub-registry seven, besides one of the confidential clerks, as the Noble Lord will see stated on pages xiv., v., of the Colonial Office List for 1912; to these officials nine rooms are allocated. This statement should be qualified by adding that a considerable amount of general business common to both the Dominions and Crown Colonies is dealt with by a staff common to both divisions.

Earl WINTERTON

Do I understand that these people belong not to a separate Department, but are detailed for duty from time to time; that they do other duty beside that appertaining to the Dominions?

Mr. HARCOURT

No, Sir, they deal with the Dominion questions.