§ 1. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now state what steps have been taken for the improvement of the British Consular Service, and what increase of pay has so far been granted to Consular officers in the various countries concerned?
§ Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND (Department of Overseas Trade)As compared with 1914, an additional sum of £74,000 a year is being spent on office and fee allowances alone. This has provided for increases of staff, better accommodation and equipment at a number of posts. About 120 additional salaried offices have been appointed mostly on a temporary basis, but some for permanent service. War bonuses have also been granted in view of the additional cost of living. A Committee is sitting, and is expected to report very shortly on the more permanent financial provision which will be required, and on the rates of pay to be given. Recommendations of this nature must still, however, be of a somewhat provisional nature.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the number of whole-time Consuls increased, and is that a feature of the changes also?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI hope that will be so. The need will certainly be pressing. It will need the consent of the Treasury if they get it.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the Committee sitting prepared to receive further recommendations for the Consular Service?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDCertainly. If the hon. Member will send me any recommendations I will see they are considered.
§ Colonel YATEIs there any difficulty in getting money from the Treasury for these men?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThat is a question for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.