9. CaptainCROOKSHANKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to move the British Embassy from Washington this summer; 914 if so, where will it be located and what is the estimated cost chargeable to public funds; and whether, before reaching a final decision, he will consider the expenditure of this sum from public funds in grants to enable the members of the embassy staff in turn to travel in the United States in order further to study political and commercial conditions rather than in removing the embassy for a considerable period from the seat of the United States Government?
Mr.CHAMBERLAINIt has been decided to move the embassy for the summer to Manchester, Massachusetts; the cost chargeable to public funds will be the same as in 1924, namely, £1,100 at par of exchange. With regard to the last part of the question, the move is considered desirable in the interests of the health and efficiency of the staff and is in accordance with the usual practice before the War. it was only discontinued during, and for a few years after, the War owing to the pressure of work at the embassy. If the hon. and gallant Member had spent a complete summer in Washington, lie would, I feel sure, appreciate the advantages of the arrangement. I am prepared at any time to authorise journeys by members of the staff for the purpose referred to in the question, if good cause for them is shown by His Majesty's Ambassador.