FOREIGN OFFICE. (Hansard, 10 February 1930)

§ 20. Sir ASSHETON POWNALL
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended to increase the staff at the Foreign Office?

Mr. A. HENDERSON
Though I think it is recognised that the work of the Foreign Office has shown a decided increase in recent months, it is not at present intended to make any increases in the staff beyond those mentioned in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Gainsborough (Captain Crook-shank) on the 16th December.

§ Sir A. POWNALL
In view of the right hon. Gentleman's complaint last week of the heavy strain placed on his Department, when he mentioned that 100 questions on a certain topic had reached the Department in the last three months, does he not think that he ought to increase the staff?

Mr. HENDERSON
No, Sir; the Five-Power Conference is not going to sit for ever.

§ Mr. MARJORIBANKS
Are the services of any officials of the Foreign Office available to Lord Cecil of Chelwood?

§ Mr. SPEAKER
That does not arise out of the Question on the Paper.