asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the disadvantages suffered by diplomatic and consular officials abroad owing to the depreciation of sterling; and will he make them an allowance to compensate them for the loss on exchange?

I am aware of the disadvantages referred to by my hon. Friend. No general system of exchange compensation has been adopted which is applicable to all countries where sterling has depreciated. Alternative steps have, however, been taken with the object of enabling diplomatic and consular officials to discharge their representative duties without financial embarrassment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even when exchange is normal these officers find it very difficult to make both ends meet, and that now, when exchange has fallen so considerably, it is quite impossible for them to meet their necessary expenses?

Yes, Sir; and I think the hon. Member is doing a service in drawing attention to this question, and I hope that I am also doing a service by drawing attention to the steps which we are taking to remedy it.

Will they all be put on the same footing as our Ambassador in Madrid?