HC Deb 03 July 1896 vol 42 cc733-4

Motion made, and Question proposed:— That a sum, not exceeding £237,318, be granted to Her Majesty to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March 1897, for the Expenses of Her Majesty's Embassies and Missions Abroad, and of the Consular Establishments Abroad, and other Expenditure chargeable on the Consular Vote.

*SIR C. DILKE

drew attention to the fact that our South American Consulates were largely in the hands of German subjects, who were interested in German interests and trade.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

hoped that, considering the great disadvantages under which British trade laboured in many markets, the right hon. Gentleman would be able to direct his attention to the promotion to the diplomatic service of those Consuls who distinguished themselves by their assistance to commerce. He also expressed a hope that proper provision would be made for their Legations and Consulates in Chili, Peru, Central America, and elsewhere, so that an efficient substitute might be found for the Minister when he was incapacitated by illness or other causes.

MR. STEVENSON

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he could state whether the military Vice-Consuls in Asia Minor were tied to any one particular place, or went about to where the occasion appeared to demand their presence.

*MR. CURZON

said the military Vice-Consuls were not limited to any particular place, but travelled about the districts to which they were appointed. He was much obliged to his hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield and to the right hon. Baronet for calling his attention to matters of very great importance. The question of their representation in the South American Republics was one he had been looking into, and he would continue to bear it in mind. With regard to the question of the defence of their commercial interests, referred to by his hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, he would only say that that was not the occasion when he could state to the House the measures which were at the present moment before the Foreign Office, with the view of displaying their interest in British trade. If he could do so, he thought they would meet with the approbation of his hon. Friend.

DR. TANNER

drew attention to the increase in the item for telegrams.

And, it being Midnight, the Chairman left the Chair to make his report to the House.

Resolution to be reported upon Monday next; Committee also report Progress; to sit again upon Monday next.