§ 125. Sir A. Gridleyasked the Minister of Food what amount of rice the Peace Treaty with Siam obliged that country to provide free; what amount has been handed over to the latest date for which figures are available; the average quantity per month so far; and why some rice is now being paid for and at what price per ton.
§ Mr. StracheyI am writing to the hon. Member regarding this matter.
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§ 126. Sir A. Gridleyasked the Minister of Food who are the chief officials constituting the British Rice Unit set up for Siam; what are the salaries and emoluments paid to each; and what is the present total annual cost of the unit falling upon the British taxpayer.
§ Mr. StracheyThe British Rice Unit for Siam consists of an officer in charge, the Hon. Somerset Butler, with a salary of£2,700 per annum, two senior officers, Mr. L. C. J. B. Walton and Mr. A. N. J. Harrison, with salaries of£980 per annum, and two junior officers with salaries of£600and£500. In addition these officers receive the appropriate Foreign Service allowances, totalling£2,500. The total cost of the unit is£14,000 per annum.