HC Deb 25 April 1911 vol 24 cc1567-8
Mr. HOUSTON

asked if he would state whether British Consuls are under the direction and control of the Foreign Secretary or the President of the Board of Trade, and to which office do Consuls report on matters concerning shipping, trade, and commerce; whether it is the duty of the Consul to make representations or protests to foreign authorities without waiting for instructions, or whether they must communicate with London and receive instructions before doing so; whether he would state why no action had been taken by the British officials at Buenos Ayres to mitigate the loss and prejudice occasioned to British shipowners and merchants by reason of the extraordinary delay to British vessels in obtaining discharging berths in the docks at Buenos Ayres and delivering their goods to the consignees; and whether he was aware that this state of affairs had prevailed at Buenos Ayres for many months past, and, unless promptly remedied, would result in the partial or complete paralysis of British trade with the Argentine and consequent injury and prejudice to British working men?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

As regards the first part of the question, His Majesty's Consular Officers are under the direction and control of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to whom they report on all matters concerning shipping, trade, and commerce. They also, however, report to the Board of Trade on certain matters connected with the Merchant Shipping Acts. It is not the duty of a Consul to make representations or protests to foreign authorities except in urgent or exceptional cases. With regard to the latter part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I returned to the question asked by him on the 20th instant. If he will furnish me with full particulars of the complaints which have reached him, I will inquire into the matter.

Mr. HOUSTON

I shall be very pleased to do so. May I ask whether the hon. Member is aware that some British Ministers abroad, in contrast with German Ministers, seem to think it is infra dig. to give their attention to matters of this sort?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No, Sir; I am certainly not aware of it.

Mr. HOUSTON

I shall be pleased to give the hon. Member personal instances.