§ 2. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1334 what were the total numbers of the staff employed at the Foreign Office, and the total remuneration paid to them in 1913–14, 1919–20, and 1920–21, respectively, and the estimated number of the staff and their total remuneration for the year 1921–22?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe figures are as follow:
Foreign Office (including Passport Office and King's Messengers). Year. Total Staff Total Remuneration. £ 1913–14 185 65,509 1919–20 705 172,021 1920–21 873 242,619 1921–22 898 300,488
§ Sir W. DAVISONCan the hon. Gentleman explain why the expenditure has risen in 1920–21 from £705,000 to £873,000 which is the estimate for the forthcoming year having regard to the fact that the responsibilities of the Foreign Office are considerably reduced by reason of the removal from their sphere of the Middle East?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI think my hon. Friend is mistaken with regard to that. The Foreign Office is not responsible for the affairs of those countries in the Middle East which have been transferred to the Colonial Office. If the hon. Member would like an analysed statement and will put down a question, I shall be happy to give him the information.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAre any steps being taken to reduce the number of those employed by the Foreign Office?
Mr. HARMSWORTHYes, such steps are being taken. I would point out that in 1913–14 in regard to one item that of the Passport Office the staff consisted of two persons and it now consists of over 250.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREDo these figures include the staff of the Department of Overseas Trade?
Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLConsidering that in 1913 it was only necessary to have two officials in the Passport Office and there is now 250, will the hon. Gentleman look into this matter and see whether it is still necessary to employ this large staff?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat raises another question.