HC Deb 31 March 1914 vol 60 cc997-8
1. Mr. SHIRLEY BENN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what portions of the United States the British commercial agent is employed; what is the general nature of his duties; what salary and allowance he receives; under what Vote the money is paid; what commercial agents are employed elsewhere; what salaries are paid them; and under which Votes do they appear?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)

There is no longer a commercial agent in the United States. An extra Vice-Consul has been appointed to do the work of the late commercial agent at New York. There is a commercial attaché in each of the following countries:—

Salary.
£
France … … … … 500
Germany … … … … 1,200
Japan … … … … 900
Turkey … … … … 800
China … … … … 1,000
There are three attachés for Austria-Hungary, Italy and Greece; Russia; and Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with their headquarters in London, with salaries from £600 to £900 per annum. The commercial attaché in Paris is also resident British Director of the Suez Canal Company. Provision for the salaries is made in the Diplomatic and Consular Vote, see Class V., No. 1, of the Estimates for Civil Services.

Mr. SHIRLEY BENN

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consider the advisability of appointing commercial agents as in the United States in different parts?

Sir E. GREY

I will look into that question. I cannot make any promise.