§ Mr. John Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what economies have been made in his Department since 20th July, 1966 in expenditure on hospitality and official entertainment both 304W in the United Kingdom and overseas; and what steps he has taken to see that diplomats overseas entertain more nationals of the country to which they are accredited than fellow diplomats;
(2) what economies have been made in his Department since 20th July, 1966 in expenditure on hospitality and official entertainment both within the United Kingdom and overseas
§ Mr. George ThomsonI will, with permission, answer this question and a similar one addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs together.
Expenditure on hospitality and official entertainment both at home and overseas is subject to regular and strict control from London and visits by Diplomatic Service Inspectors. The necessity for the strictest economy has been impressed on all members of the Diplomatic Service both before and after 20th July, 1966. The need for entertainment of local nationals in preference to fellow diplomats, set forth in paragraph 177 of the Plowden Report, Command No. 2276, is well understood and put into effect.