DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR BUILDINGS.— Class I. (Hansard, 18 April 1918)

§ Mr. HOGGE

I do not know anything at all about this, but that is all the more reason why I should make some remarks upon it. The way we spend money in an afternoon on the Estimates is extraordinary. This relates apparently to new works, alterations, additions, and purchases in connection with some Consular buildings. I understand the whole of the Consular Service is being reconstructed. We have created a new Department of State to associate the Foreign Office with the Board of Trade in providing a new Consular Service, and here we have required for 1918–19 another £4,400 for some Consulate in China, Japan, Korea, or wherever the place is. That brings the total expenditure up to the present moment to £10,400, and the original Estimate was £11,400. All these things have a marvellous habit of creeping up as we get fresh Estimates. I suppose next year we shall have another Vote for £11,400 put down, and a probable expenditure up to March, 1919. Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether this additional £4,400 to be spent at this Consulate brings the buildings up to the original Estimate, or within £l 000 of the original Estimate, or whether more money will be required? I notice some new works are proposed. They are going to spend £150 in 1918 in providing a bathroom at some other unpronounceable place, which seems an extraordinary amount of money to waste on a bathroom. Perhaps my right hon. Friend can tell us what kind of bathroom it is: whether it is to be replete with all the modern comforts of a bathroom, and whether he could not get a bath much cheaper? I believe you can buy a bath for a matter of £10. There is another £2,500 for a new Consulate at Harbin. Is that an entirely new one or is it to be in place of one which already exists? Assuming that it is a new building, can my right hon. Friend guarantee that the Bolsheviks, who are now in authority in this district, will not prevent the building being erected, and that the money we have already given to Russia will not be further augmented by this sum, of which they may take possession in the materials which are provided? There are other items in the Vote, but I know nothing at all about them, and only made this speech in order to get some explanation, because on principle we ought not to agree to the passing of such votes of money without some explanation.

§ Mr. WATT

This Vote consists of two parts, works in progress and works in contemplation. As to works in progress, it is impossible to stop them, and the first part of the Vote should be granted without further inquiry. I rise to ask about proposed new works, and particularly this new consulate at Harbin. I get back to what I said on the last Vote. Is this time a fitting occasion for erecting buildings such as these new Consulates in new districts at such expense? Are the finances of the country not in such a condition that we ought not to dream of putting up expensive Consulates in any part of the world? We ought to withhold such expenditure entirely and cease to enter into such commitments. My right hon. Friend had some sympathy with my sentiments in that direction in speaking of the roof on the last Vote, namely, that nothing should be done whereby the money of the country will be expended on unnecessary works owing to our financial position. The right hon. Gentleman had sympathy with that view. He has snow an opportunity of carrying into practice his general principle. Is it absolutely necessary to put up a Consulate at this place, and is it necessary to spend this sum of money on it, in view of the present financial condition of the country?