Captain A. EVANSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the increases made in consular fees and the multiplicity of consular requirements; that the abandonment of the Gold Standard in this country was followed by increases in many consular fees which were already high, particularly in respect of overtime charges; and whether he will negotiate with other countries with a view to improving existing conditions and obtaining modification of consular charges and unification of consular regulations?
§ Mr. EDENThere have been no material increases or alterations in British consular fees, except for passport or visa fees, since the Order in Council, 1921, when the present fee table was adopted. This Order, by virtue of which British consular fees are levied, prescribes that fees must be collected either in British gold or in foreign currency calculated at a rate not below par of exchange. Thus the actual cost in sterling of the currency paid in respect of fees has increased in countries where sterling is at a discount, but this increase does not arise out of any change in the fee table. I am satisfied that, so far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, there is no needless multiplicity of consular requirements. I have no information to show that the consular fees or requirements of any foreign country are oppressive or unreasonable, or that His Majesty's Government would be justified in considering the question of negotiations as suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.