§ Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the present constitution and cost of the Overseas Trade Department per month; what is the cost per month of the British consular and trade commissioner services abroad; and what were the corresponding numbers of personnel and. costs in July, 1923?
§ Mr. LUNNThe number of persons employed by the Department of Overseas Trade at headquarters in July, 1923, was 399, and in July. 1924, 446—the latter figure includes officers temporarily employed for special duties particularly in connection with the British Empire Exhibition. In addition 34 commercial diplomatic officers and 13 trade commissioners were employed overseas in July 1923, and the same numbers are still employed. The estimated cost of headquarters staff was £10,350 in July, 1923, and £10,480 in July, 1924. The estimated expenditure on the commercial diplomatic service in July, 1923, was £9,400, and in July, 1924, £9,090. The estimated expenditure on the trade commissioner service was £4,700 in July, 1923, and £4,580 in July, 1924. The Consular Service is not borne on the Vote of the Department of Overseas Trade. I am informed that the total authorised strength of the Con- 1635W sular Service (excluding unsalaried officers and clerical staffs) was 405 in July, 1923, and 391 in July, 1924, whilst the estimated net cost of the Consular Service was it the rate of £36,384 in July, 1923, and £38,975 in July, 1924.