49. Mr. DOYLEasked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to state the entire cost of the British delegation in connection with the Peace Conference from the signing of the Armistice to the present time, with the number of the clerical staff, the maximum and minimum wages and salaries paid, the cost of hotels and other accommodation, and other details connected with these gatherings; and, if he is not in a position to give the figures now, when he will be able to give them?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe answer to this question is a very lengthy one, and perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL EEPORT.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the answer includes or excludes the cost of all the motor cars to carry officials in Paris?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe answer is a very detailed one.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman whether he is aware—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI must point out to the hon. Member that I have already called upon another hon. Member, who was rising to ask a question.
§ Mr. MARRIOTTMay I ask whether it is proposed to circulate as a White Paper the Economic Memorandum just published? It is very important, and I think hon. Members should have it.
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)I think that would be a very desirable course, and it shall be done.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The following statement gives the cost of the British Delegation to the Peace Conference at Paris, from December, 1918, to 30th September, 1919, the latest date to which complete accounts have been rendered:
| Foreign Office. | |
| £ | |
| Salaries and wages of temporary staff, travelling expenses and incidental charges | 54,304 |
| Office of Works. | |
| Hire of hotels, provision of furniture, maintenance and repairs | 205,964 |
| Ministry of Food. | |
| Cost of food and hotel service | 87,620 |
| Air Ministry. | |
| Passenger and mail services by aeroplane (approximately) | 103,000 |
| Stationery Office. | |
| Printing and binding, supplies of paper, printing plant, wages, and miscellaneous expenses | 52,480* |
| Total | £503,368 |
| * From this sum should be deducted the value of printing plant, type, and non-consumable stores returned to England amounting (after deducting 20 per cent. for depreciation) to approximately £14,000. |
§ The total staff of the Delegation was 524, including the clerical staff, the maximum numbers of which were:
| Temporary | … | … | 124 |
| Permanent | … | … | 13 |
§ In addition to which, after the withdrawal of the Army Signal Corps at the end of June, 1919, there were 85 telephonists and telegraphists.
§ The maximum rate of salary (paid to two lady superintendents and one translator) was £5 a week, and the minimum rate was £1 a week (paid to girl guides who acted as, messengers in the offices of the British Delegation at the Hotel Astoria).
§ It should be added that the figures given above in respect of salaries refer only to the temporary staff. The salaries of those members of the staff who held permanent appointments in the Civil Service continued as charges upon the Votes of the Departments to which they belong.