asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British consular officials are employed at Beira now and were employed there in 1964, respectively, and at what cost to the Exchequer.

There are at present two British officials of consular rank at Beira. With their supporting staff they cost £20,000. In 1964 there was one consular official who, with his supporting staff, cost (at 1970 prices) £8,000.