§ 18. Mr. HUGH O'NEILLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether His Majesty's legation at Lisbon has recently been raised to the status of an embassy; if so, can he say what are the reasons for the change; and whether it involves any extra cost?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The change has been made in pursuance of a pledge given to the Portuguese Government by His Majesty's Government in 1918. The extra cost involved is £1, 450 per annum.
§ Mr. O'NEILLIs it always necessary for this country to enlarge a legation into an embassy when requested by a foreign country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, but I hope it is always necessary for this country to fulfil its pledges.