asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the cost of the Civil Service in Iraq per annum in pounds sterling: how many persons are in it; and how many of these are of British birth or descent?

The cost of the Iraq Civil Service for the past financial year was approximately £1,090,000. I am unable to give the total number of persons in that Service, but it contains at. present approximately 155 British officials.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the percentage of British officials represented by this number?

I could not give the percentage, because I do not know the total, but it is very small.

Could we not have some sort of estimate of the total number, because I want to know the proportion of British officials? Has the right hon. Gentleman any further information to give me which will throw light upon that point?

I will try to get it, but the proportion is a very small one indeed.

Is this a reduction?

Yes, the numbers have been steadily reduced during the last few years.

And the cost?

Yes.