§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the purpose of the recent promotion of Her Majesty's legation at Costa Rica to embassy status; what was the immediate cost to public funds of this promotion; and what will be the estimated rise in the expenditure of and allowances to this mission in its first year as an embassy.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyFollowing an inquiry made by the Costa Rican Government, it was mutually agreed that the status of the missions in the two countries should be raised to that of embassy. This will 83W serve to strengthen still further the already excellent relations existing between the United Kingdom and Costa Rica. The change in status will cause no increase in allowances or expenditure of the mission.
§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what salary and expenses were paid to Her Majesty's Minister at Costa Rica before the elevation of his mission to embassy status; and what is his salary and allowances in his new rank of ambassador.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyHer Majesty's Minister at Costa Rica receives a salary of £2,600 a year andfrais de representation of £2,710. On elevation to the rank of ambassador, his salary and allowances remain the same.