HC Deb 24 July 1922 vol 157 cc38-9
55. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what saving it has been expected to effect during the current financial year in the item of £175,000 for telegrams?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the Estimates for the current year (Class V, Vote 1, Subhead K.K.), he will observe that the sum of £85,000 has been provided for telegrams, in accordance with the recommendation of the Committee. It is hoped to keel) the cost of telegrams within this limit, but the amount of telegraphing between the Foreign Office and His Majesty's representatives abroad is necessarily dependent, in the present state of international affairs, on many factors which are beyond the control of the Foreign Office.

56. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has been taken with reference to the item of £27,568 for news departmental expenses abroad, which the Geddes Committee recommended might be saved?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Careful consideration was given to the recommendation of the Committee in regard to the News Department expenses abroad, but it was not found possible to adopt the suggestion in its entirety. The Vote has, however, been reduced to £17,958.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Was the Foreign Office asked to lay its view on this matter before the Committee before it drew up its Report?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

No. I think that there was no discussion between the Foreign Office and the Committee.