§ Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many officers of his Department are permanently stationed at diplomatic missions and international organisations overseas, and at what expense.
§ Mr. BishopTwo veterinary officers from my Department are permanently stationed in Buenos Aires, at an annual cost to the Department estimated at about £37,000 a year to maintain liaison with the Argentine authorities on the animal and public health aspects of the meat trade.
In addition the agriculture and food interests of the United Kingdom are represented at certain diplomatic missions and at international organisations. Seven officials of my Department are currently seconded to the Diplomatic Service for this purpose and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office meets their salaries and expenses.