HC Deb 20 June 1910 vol 18 cc9-10
Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked whether a foreign subject has recently been appointed British consul in Dresden; and whether he has received a memorial from the British residents in Dresden on the subject?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. This is a case in which no salary is attached to the position of Consul. In such cases, as I have already stated in reply to a previous question, British subjects are invariably given the preference over candidates of foreign nationality whenever an equally suitable candidate of British nationality is available. I would remind the hon. Member that there is a British Minister resident at Dresden who was best able to judge how far the applicants were suited by position and personal qualifications to render assistance to the British community.

Mr. G. A. LLOYD

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that British subjects are always more suitable candidates for consular appointments than foreign subjects?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No, Sir; that is a proposition to which I do not think anyone would subscribe.