9. Captain TERRELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the cost of our foreign diplomatic and consular services in the first half of 1914 and the cost now; and the aggregate number of personnel then maintained, and the number now?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe net cost of the diplomatic and consular services in the first half of 1914 was £417,529, and the estimated net cost for a half-year on the present basis of expenditure £802,472. The aggregate number of personnel maintained then was 502, and the present number is 636.
Captain TERRELLIn view of the fact that the cost now is very nearly double what it was in 1914, can the Noble Lord indicate to the House what hopes there are of a speedy reduction of this amount?
§ Earl WINTERTONI must have notice of that question, in order to consult the Department.
Captain TERRELLWill the Noble Lord represent to the Minister concerned the desirability of appointing a committee of business men to investigate this expenditure?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member should put that question on the Paper.