§ Captain TERRELLasked the Home Secretary the difference to the country in the cost of a Minister and Ambassador; how many Powers have, by agreement, raised their Ministers to Ambassadors since the War; and whether size, population and trade relations are factors in deciding the admissibility of this procedure?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe difference as regards salary is £500 a year, an Ambassador receiving £2,500 and a Minister £2,000. The allowances granted to both Ambassadors and Ministers in respect offrais de representation vary in accordance with the requirements of particular posts. His Majesty's Government have, since the War, raised the former Legations at Brussels, Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon to the status of Embassies. In October, 1919, after it had been decided in principle to take the above action, His Majesty's Government agreed with the French and Italian Governments not to create fresh ambassadorial posts without previous consultation and agreement between the three Powers. I am not aware whether any such agreement is in force between other Powers, and I am, therefore, unable to answer the second part of the question. Considerations of size, population and trade relations are not overlooked when dealing with particular cases.