asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the annual cost of the British Mission to the Vatican; and whether, in view of the fact that the original reason for the Mission (inquiries on behalf of war prisoners, etc.) no longer exists, it is intended to bring the Mission to a close?

The present annual cost of the British Mission to the Vatican is approximately £6,530. In regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply made by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for West Belfast (Mr. Lynn) on the 22nd February last.