asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the total expenditure incurred by the military, navy and air attachés in Moscow last year; and what is the nature of their duties.

I understand that the total expenditure for the financial year 1948–49 was approximately £28,000. The duties of the Service attachés in Moscow, as at other posts, are to keep in the closest possible touch with the naval, military and air Services of the country in which they are stationed, to advise His Majesty's Ambassador on all mattters affecting the Armed Services and to represent their respective Service Departments as required.

Is the Minister satisfied that this expenditure is justified? Could not economies be effected?

It is justified. It could be more valuable if there were greater facilities for the Service attachés.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether sufficient opportunities for obtaining information are given to our attachés up to the same standard as the opportunities which we give to the Russian attachés in this country?

No, Sir, I cannot give that assurance.

What steps have been taken to ensure that reciprocal facilities are granted so that our representatives in Russia get the same facilities as the Russian naval, military and air attachés get in this country?

We have not overlooked that, but it is a different question.