10. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the difficulties caused to the unestablished staffs of British consulates in Europe from the fact that their 1187 salaries are paid in terms of the currency of the country concerned and not in sterling or its equivalent; and whether, in cases of devaluation of currency, any compensating increase has been or will be made in these salaries?
§ Mr. ButlerThe position of these employés is constantly under review at the Foreign Office. Most of them are locally engaged and their salaries are accordingly paid in the local currency in which their expenses are incurred. When, owing to the depreciation of the local currency, or for any other reason, the local cost of living shows a marked increase, an increase of salaries is granted.
Mr. HarveyHas special consideration been given to the staff in France in view of the recent devaluation?
§ Mr. ButlerI am sure we shall give attention to it, if it has not been done already.
§ Major MacnamaraIs it not the case that when money is being paid to a consulate, for instance by the master of a ship, it has to be paid in gold?