asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total number of Labour Attachés employed at Legations and Embassies, and the total cost involved in this service.

The total number of Labour Attachés at present employed at His Majesty's Missions abroad is 19. I understand that the total present cost of salaries and allowances paid to them and their staffs is estimated at £90,260 a year.

Can the Minister tell us what advantage has been gained through the use of these people in this capacity?

I think there is a widespread view that their work is extremely valuable.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that among our representatives in other countries, notably in the United States, during the war, none were better representatives than the Labour Attachés.