HC Deb 22 June 1921 vol 143 cc1333-5
2. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 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. HARMSWORTH

The 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. DAVISON

Can 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. HARMSWORTH

I 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. DAVISON

Are any steps being taken to reduce the number of those employed by the Foreign Office?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Yes, 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-GORE

Do these figures include the staff of the Department of Overseas Trade?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

No, Sir; that is not included.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

Considering 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. SPEAKER

That raises another question.