§ 21. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what, if any, decision has been arrived at regarding the memorandum addressed to the British High Commissioner in Egypt, in February, 1937, by the British Consular bar in Egypt calling attention to the prejudicial effect on their professional prospects of proposals later embodied in the Montreux Convention of May, 1937; and whether he will give special attention to this matter, in view of the fact that the practice of four members of the Consular bar who are unable to appear before the mixed court will virtually disappear when the Montreux Convention becomes effective in October, 1937?
§ Mr. EdenA further memorandum has been received from the Consular bar and the points contained therein are under consideration. As regards the second part of the question, I should explain that the British Consular Court in Egypt will not disappear in October next. His 829 Majesty's Government intend to avail themselves of the option, contained in Article 9 of the Capitulations Convention signed on 8th May last, to maintain these courts, possibly for 12 years longer, for matters of personal status.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs it not the case that, although the Consular courts may continue, the four particular members of the Consular bar to whom my question referred will find their practice very considerably diminished, if not practically at an end?