§ Mr. Emeryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many persons are at present on loan or secondment from industry or commerce to his Department; what is the total annual cost to the Exchequer for their services; and what extra sum is being paid to them by industry and commerce in order to meet their previous salary levels.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleThere is one person on secondment to the Diplomatic Service from the industrial and commercial world at present. Secondments of this type are arranged on the basis that the parent company of the officer concerned continues to pay his salary during his period with the Diplomatic Service. Her Majesty's Government are responsible for the payment of overseas and44W other allowances including travel and accommodation. The total annual cost to the Exchequer for the employment of the officer concerned is £6,947.