2. Sir G. HAMILTON (for Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE)asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what changes will be made in the remuneration of members of the diplomatic service serving outside Great Britain as a result of the decision to remove 50 per cent. of the economy cuts imposed in 1931?
§ Sir J. SIMONFifty per cent. of the economy cut on the salaries of Heads of Missions who are normally in receipt of salaries of £2,000 or more will be restored as from the 1st July next. The allowances of members of the Diplomatic Service serving abroad will also be increased as from the 1st July by sums aggregating approximately 50 per cent. of the amounts by which they were reduced in the autumn of 1931.
§ Mr. PETHERICKCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether members of the diplomatic service serving abroad have 934 salaries relatively as good as those which obtain in the Civil Service in England, including those of Foreign Office officials; and whether the adverse effect of exchanges has been taken into consideration?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo, Sir. I think that is quite a different question. The question which I have been asked has to do with whether or not there has been a restoration of cuts corresponding to the restoration which has taken place here. What I have just said amounts to this, that the diplomatic service is being brought into line with the position which is now provided for in the home Civil Service.