asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what effect the present cuts in public expenditure will have on the representation of the United Kingdom abroad; and whether he will make a statement.

The Diplomatic Service will be reduced by a further 1 per cent. by manpower cuts announced last May. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State told the House on 21st December—[Vol. 866, c.460.]—the latest cuts do not specify a reduction in expenditure on overseas services, though all programmes are subject to continuing review.