§ COLONEL SIR H. VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Commercial Attaches appointed by Lord Salisbury to assist British commerce in the principal countries of Europe are entitled to correspond freely with all persons interested in the trade of the countries to which they are accredited, as well as with chambers of commerce, and are provided with properly equipped offices wherein they are readily accessible to British manufacturers, merchants, and their agents, independently of the social and epistolary ceremonies of diplomacy?
MR. CURZONThe Commercial Attaches are not only entitled, but are instructed to correspond freely with all persons interested in trade. Accommo- 1163 dation is provided for them in Her Majesty's Embassies to which they are attached.
§ MR. COLONEL SIR H. VINCENTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the post of Commercial Attach to the Embassy at St. Petersburg is now vacant, and has been practically so for some time past, although the salary has been voted by Parliament; and, in such case, if, having regard to the damage resulting to British trade in Russia by the growing competition of France, Belgium, and Germany, steps will be taken to appoint to this important post a person thoroughly conversant with British commerce and its opportunities in all the Russia from the Vistula to the Pacific?
MR. CURZONThe post of Commercial Attaché, held by Sir E. Law, which was not confined to Russia, but included some of the smaller European States, has now fallen vacant owing to his appointment to another office; and Her Majesty's Government are considering what steps can best be taken in the interests of British trade in the countries concerned, in connection with the filling of the vacancy.