§ MR. FERENS (Hull, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with a view of more effectually fostering British trade and interests in Continental cities, His Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of appointing British subjects only as consuls in such cities.
§ MR. J. A. PEASEAs the salaried Consular posts are filled exclusively by British subjects, the hon. Member no doubt refers to Consular posts to which no salary is assigned. Such posts must of necessity be filled by local residents. It is not always possible to find a suitable resident of British nationality willing to accept appointment, but it is only when no suitable British subject is available that the appointment is offered to a 404 foreign subject; and foreign subjects are appointed only to ports where the importance of British trade is not sufficient to justify a request to Parliament to vote a salary for a Consular officer.