§ 2. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what reason 136 His Majesty's Ambassador in Madrid, though drawing no salary, receives in allowances a sum, £8,100, which exceeds by more than 25 per cent. the combined amount, £6,000, which was drawn in salary, £2,500, and allowances, £3,500, by his predecessor?
§ Mr. ButlerThe emoluments of His Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid have been fixed at such a figure as will enable him to discharge the duties of his Mission in a suitable manner. The emoluments of his predecessor were, in fact: salary, £2,500; and allowances, £4,125.
§ Mr. StokesWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the salary paid to the Ambassador is subject to British Income Tax?
§ Mr. ButlerI should prefer to see that question on the Paper.
§ Major-General Sir Alfred KnoxAre we not getting full value for this money?
§ Mr. ButlerThe question of my hon. and gallant Friend gives me the opportunity of saying that we are getting excellent value from the signal services performed by our Ambassador.
§ Mr. StokesIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am saying nothing about the value received for the money but am speaking of the principle of paying people outside the Diplomatic Service more than the ordinary Diplomatic servants get?