HC Deb 13 June 1940 vol 361 c1388
69. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when His Majesty's Ambassador to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics will take up his duties; whether any special powers have been conferred upon the Ambassador apart from the ordinary functions which pertain to his office; and whether any change has been made in the grants and allowances hitherto made to this embassy?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

The hon. and learned Member for East Bristol (Sir S. Cripps) has now arrived in Moscow and has taken up his duties as His Majesty's Ambassador. He will occupy the post in the same capacity in all respects as previous Ambassadors have done. He will not receive a salary but expenses in the form of a representation allowance appropriate to his position.

Sir P. Hannon

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the hon. and learned Gentleman in his capacity as Ambassador to Moscow will retain his seat in this House?

Mr. Butler

If my hon. Friend turns to Sir Erskine May's work he will read there: It has always been held that the office of ambassador or other foreign minister does not disqualify, nor its acceptance vacate the seat of a member.

Sir Irving Albery

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is likely that other Members of this House will be appointed?