§ 7. Captain Longhurstasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider raising the expenses allowance of British consuls-general and similar officials in the U.S.A. to enable them more adequately to represent the British point of view in that country.
§ Mr. EdenThe emoluments of His Majesty's consular officers in the United States were reviewed in 1942, when considerable increases were granted to enable them to discharge their representational duties adequately. At the same time, a fund was placed at the disposal of His Majesty's Ambassador to meet exceptional expenditure incurred by consuls on representation. So far as I am aware, the present position in this respect is satisfactory, but I am always prepared to examine sympathetically any applications for further increases which may be recommended by His Majesty's Ambassador.
§ Captain LonghurstIs not the Minister aware that, for instance, in one great Middle Western city, where most citizens are of German descent, and where it is particularly important that the views of Germans should be heard, our Consul-General is not able even to belong to the principal club in the city?
§ Mr. EdenI do not know about that. If the hon. and gallant Member has any particular city in mind, where he thinks there is not sufficient representation, perhaps he will let me know.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that the same consideration should be given to His Majesty's junior Ministers as is given to consuls?
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Minister not send working-class representatives to some of these jobs, to join the trade unions in these particular areas?