HC Deb 08 March 1960 vol 619 cc27-8W
Mr. R. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total annual cost of maintaining staff employed by his Department in Spain; and whether he will give details of salaries and allowances for this staff.

Mr. R. Allan

The total cost to the Votes for which my right hon. and learned Friend is responsible of maintaining the staff of Her Majesty's Embassy in Madrid and of Consular posts in Spain is approximately £175,680 per annum. Of this, £111,777 is attributable to salaries and £63,903 is attributable tofrais de représentation and foreign and rent allowances.

Mr. R. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the number of staff employed by the British Embassy in Spain, together with details of the precise duties performed by this staff.

Mr. R. Allan

One hundred and eight staff of all grades, paid from the Votes for which my right hon. and learned Friend is responsible, are employed at Her Majesty's Embassy in Madrid. Of these, 31 are United Kingdom based. Of these 31, five are engaged under Her Majesty's Ambassador on work which may be described as political in the narrower sense, six are engaged on commercial work, six on consular and visa work, and two on information work. The remainder are engaged on administrative, clerical and typing duties and communications. Of the 77 locally-engaged staff, 37 are engaged on clerical and administrative duties: the remainder are drivers, messengers, cleaners, etc.

Mr. R. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the number of staff employed by the British Consulate in Bilbao, together with details of the precise duties performed by this staff.

Mr. R. Allan

Twelve staff paid from the Votes for which my right hon. and learned Friend is responsible are employed in Her Majesty's Consulate at Bilbao. Of these Her Majesty's Consul and his Personal Assistant are United Kingdom based. Of the ten locally-engaged staff, one is engaged on commercial work, one on general Consular work and four on clerical and administrative duties. The remainder are drivers, messengers and cleaners.