§ 122. Mr. Bartlettasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the reduction in allowances paid to British officials in France, following upon the devaluation of the franc to bring French prices nearer to world prices, has had the result that these officials are still faced with great difficulties in maintaining a reasonable standard of life; and whether he will re-examine 343W these allowances in connection with the present cost of living in Paris.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallNo, Sir. The majority of British officials in France are provided with board and lodging at public expense. This is an important concession which more than offsets expenditure on other items costing more than in this country. In the other cases where staff are not provided with board and lodging at public expense but are receiving inclusive allowances, I am satisfied that, apart from the cases of one or two officers where information is lacking and is being sought, the amounts in issue are adequate to cover the extra cost, result-Mg from their having to live in France, of the normal items of expenditure.