§ 1. Mr. Caryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any cases have been brought to his notice regarding serving members of the Foreign Service whose salary and emoluments are now quite inadequate to meet the high cost of living which has been reached in some countries oversea; and whether any special contingency account exists to assist British representatives serving abroad to meet additional expenditure or pay off liabilities which were not foreseen when they accepted their appointments?
§ The Minister of State (Mr. Richard Law)There have been a number of cases when the emoluments of members of the Foreign Service abroad have proved insufficient to meet their reasonable necessary expenditure. In all such cases steps have been taken to remedy the position. No special contingency account exists. Increased expenditure of this nature is paid out of voted money.
§ Mr. CaryIn view of the fact that the high cost of living is likely to remain for some time, may I ask my right hon. Friend to keep this matter under continuous review in his Department, in relation to the expenses of Missions abroad? I am sure that it would not be the wish of Parliament or the nation that any of our Foreign Service representatives should get into personal debt.