§ Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir Henry Howard holds the position of Ambassador or Minister accredited to the Vatican; what is his salary in this position; what is the total cost of the mission; under what head in the Estimates will this expenditure be passed; and whether this is a new service which requires the special sanction of this House?
§ Sir EDWARD GREYSir Henry Howard holds the position of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary on a special mission to the Pope; his salary is at the rate of £3,600 a year. The total cost of the mission cannot be stated until it is over, but the only paid member of the staff is a clerk in the Foreign Office, who receives a temporary allowance to cover his expenses, and no charge is incurred for rent, which is paid by the Minister out of his salary. No special sanction is required, but provision will be made for the expenditure under Sub-head K. Special Missions and Services of the Vote of Diplomatic and Consular Services, 1915–16, Class V., Vote I., Estimates for Civil Services.