HC Deb 08 June 1976 vol 912 cc660-1W
Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people are employed in the overseas diplomatic buildings for which the 1975–76 cost is provisionally estimated at £7.8 million.

Mr. Tomlinson

Of the estimated total expenditure in 1975–76 of £7.8 million, approximately £20,000 was spent on renting honorary consular premises. Eighty-five staff are currently employed in these offices.

The bulk of the expenditure was incurred on the rent and upkeep of 2,609 residential hirings occupied by United Kingdom based members of the Diplomatic Service and their dependants, and by Crown servants from other Departments whose accommodation costs overseas are borne on the Diplomatic Service Vote.