§ Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will identify the official regulations governing the payment of departmental staff accompanying Foreign Office Ministers attending meetings overseas in a party, as distinct from a Ministerial, capacity.
§ Mr. M. StewartAs I explained in my replies to the right hon. and learned Gentleman's Questions on 2nd and 9th February, when attending such meetings I remain in charge of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
For this reason payment for accompanying official staff is charged to public funds in accordance with Diplomatic Service regulations.—[Vol. 795, c. 9 and c. 257.]