HC Deb 17 January 1918 vol 101 cc465-6
5. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Earl of Reading, in his capacity as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary on Special Mission to the United States, will receive a salary borne on the Foreign Office Vote; whether he will continue to receive also his salary as Lord Chief Justice; whether he will occupy the British Embassy at Washington; and whether he will communicate with the Government through the Foreign Office or direct to the War Cabinet?

12. Mr. PONSNBY

asked whether Lord Reading, in his capacity as Ambassador to the United States Government, is acting under the direction and supervision of the Foreign Office; and whether Reports and dispatches from him will all be addressed to the Foreign Secretary?

Mr. BALFOUR

Lord Reading will not receive a salary as Ambassador, but his necessary expenses will be paid, and the amount will be borne on the Foreign Office Vote (Diplomatic and Consular Services, sub-head K, Special Missions). The answer to the second and third questions is in the affirmative. Lord Reading will communicate with the Government through the Foreign Office.

Mr. DAVID MASON

Will Lord Northcliffe, who represents the Commission on this side, also come under the Foreign Office Vote?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should put that question on the Paper.

47. Mr. KING

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any information concerning the mission of the Attorney-General to the United States?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

My right hon. Friend went to the United States and Canada in order to confer upon certain important legal subjects. While there he was invited to address several important meetings, and, in the opinion of the Government, he has rendered great service to Allied cause by doing so. It is expected that he will be back in this country shortly after the legal term begins.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Attorney-General took his brother, and, if so, what for?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As private secretary.

Mr. KING

Will the expense of this mission be paid out of public funds?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, certainly.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is not his brother of military age, and is it not the rule that no man of military age is given a permit to go abroad?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know the age of my right hon. Friend's brother, but certainly his private secretary would have been given a permit.

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